In December 2019, 5-year-old Michael Clark Jr. from East Grand Rapids, Michigan, had a truly unforgettable day. Instead of keeping his adoption private, Michael invited his entire kindergarten class to the Kent County Courthouse to witness his adoption hearing. Dressed smartly in a vest and bowtie, Michael was officially adopted by his loving foster parents, David Eaton and Andrea Melvin, who had cared for him for over a year.
Michael’s teacher, Kerry McKee of Wealthy Elementary School, helped organize the event to support both Michael and the students while teaching them about adoption. The children brought handmade paper hearts and cheered enthusiastically as Michael became a permanent part of his new family. When asked why he wanted his classmates there, Michael said it was because they already felt like family to him.
The adoption hearing was part of Kent County’s 23rd annual Adoption Day, during which 36 children officially joined their forever families. Judge Patricia D. Gardner presided over the ceremony, which was filled with laughter, tears, and immense joy. Photos and videos from the event quickly went viral, inspiring people around the world with this heartwarming story..