Some of New Jersey’s youngest immigrants explained why their families came to America as part of a presentation on immigration.

English as a second language students from Paterson’s P.S. 21 participated in the program at the Paterson Museum Friday. It was part of the Soaring Eagle Project organized by teacher Jason Valente.

“Students answered a very simple prompt: ‘Why I came to America,’” he says.

The children’s written accounts of their families' immigration stories are posted and put on display at the museum. They're also printed on cards and in a book. Friday, the students delivered their stories out loud in their new language in front of their peers.

There was Rosemary, who wants to be a doctor. Denzel, who didn't see his father for five years until he was able to bring him to the U.S. And Rosebelli, with her plans to become a science teacher.

The Soaring Eagles exhibit featuring the immigration stories of the students also featured some of their teachers as well.  It will be on display at the Paterson Museum through Thanksgiving.