‘Not a dry eye’: 5-year-old Michigan boy’s kindergarten classmates turn out to witness his adoption

Michael Clark Jr. was officially welcomed into his new family to a round of applause from his kindergarten classmates.

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Kent County posted on Facebook that there was “not a dry eye” in Judge Patricia D. Gardner’s courtroom.

Facebook/@KentCountyMI

A 5-year-old boy in Michigan was officially welcomed into his new family to a round of applause from his kindergarten classmates, who celebrated the day while waving small hearts on sticks. 

It was an emotional day — Kent County posted on Facebook that there was “not a dry eye” in Judge Patricia D. Gardner’s courtroom.

The adoption of the child, identified by 17th Circuit Court adoption caseworker Holly Hernandez as Michael Clark Jr., was one of 36 finalized adoptions part of Kent County’s annual Adoption Day on Thursday. A photo of Michael’s adoption posted to Facebook by Kent County has been shared more than 100,000 times.

Gardner officialized Michael’s adoption. He was adopted by David Eaton and Andrea Melvin, Hernandez said. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen J. Markman was also on hand for the event. 

National Adoption Dayis typically held in November, but the Michigan county holds its adoption day in December in order to invite Santa and his elves, Hernandez said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY. 

There are more than 125,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States, according to the National Adoption Day website. 

Hernandez said Michael’s kindergarten teacher, Kerry McKee of Wealthy Elementary School in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, invited Michael’s kindergarten class to support him and to help educate the class on adoption. 

“Many organizations donate their time and resources to make it a success,” Hernandez said. “Michael’s adoption was one of many very special celebrations!”

Read more at usatoday.com.

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