Michael Clark Jr. didn’t just invite one friend to his adoption hearing, he invited his entire kindergarten class.
Why not? Those kids from Wealthy Elementary in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, are like family to him, his foster father David Eaton told WOOD TV. Eaton and his wife, Andrea Melvin, had been Michael’s foster parents for a full year before they finally became an official family.
Clad in a vest and bowtie to go before the judge, Michael beamed with pride when the judge made a point to acknowledge the rows of five-year-olds waving pink and red hearts on sticks, a craft project they worked on at school in honor of Michael’s big day.
Usually adoptions are kept confidential, but in a perfect twist of fate, Michael’s hearing was held on Adoption Day this year, the one day they’re made public in an effort to encourage others to adopt, too.
When asked what the lesson was for all the students, kindergarten teacher Kerry McGee said, “…put a little love in your heart. We rise when we support others.”
With friends, family, and a teacher like Ms. McGee, we think this little guy is going to go far.
