A Michigan boy invited his entire kindergarten class to witness and celebrate his adoption hearing along with 36 other kids who were adopted in Kent County.
Michael Orlando Clark Jr. finally got his forever home in time for the holidays and his entire class joined him as he celebrated with his new family.
“We began the school year as a family,” Clark’s teacher said. “Family doesn’t have to be DNA, because family is support and love.”
It was especially remarkable when Clark’s classmates introduced themselves and told the Judge why they had come and how much they loved Clark.
“Michael is my best friend,” his classmate, Steven said. The courtroom buzzed with excitement with all the little ones there and there was a thunderous applause when Clark and his new parents banged the gavel, which made the adoption official.
“Sometimes their journeys have been very long, they’ve included miracle and change for the children and family and incredible community support as you’re able to see today in Michael’s adoption hearing,” Honorable Judge Patricia Gardner said. “His whole kindergarten class and school being here to say ‘we love you,’ and ‘we support you’ and ‘we’ll be here not only today but in all the years in the future.'”
The court gave each family a half-hour hearing to celebrate their adoption with family and friends on a day which also marked the 23rd annual Adoption Day in Kent County and were also greeted by Santa Claus.
