Little Boy Wanted His Whole Kindergarten Class In Courtroom With Him For Adoption Hearing

Mar 09, 2021

When a child becomes adopted it is a big moment for everyone involved, whether that's the kid, their parents, the people in their lives, or even the judge who's presiding over the official adoption case. For many of us who haven't had to go through adoption — either as a child or as a parent — it's unlikely that we know how incredible the feeling of adoption day can be.

Well, the magic of such a day was witnessed in 2019, when Michael Clark, a 5-year-old boy from Michigan had his own adoption day. His absolute joy was captured on camera, along with his parents, Andrea Melvin and Dave Eaton, while the judge also showed her happiness at such a positive event in court.

What's more, Michael wanted his entire kindergarten class to be there for his big day too, as he considered them to be as close as family — and so they all showed up! Holding cardboard hearts in the back, his class showed their love and support for Michael and his special day. The moment demonstrated how lucky he is to be surrounded by so many people who love and care for him. Thankfully, news cameras captured the event, which has allowed the general public to have an inside look into Michael's happy day, and to give the rest of us a taste of just how joyous adoption day can be. If you've never seen what it looks like for a child to find his forever parents, then read on to find out more.

Young Michael Clark had a big day in 2019 when he was finally adopted. After being fostered for one year by a couple named Andrea Melvin and Dave Eaton, the young boy officially became a part of his forever family. As you can imagine, this is a huge day for any child or parent who goes through the adoption system. But it's also a big day for the many other people in their lives too — including their friends, who sometimes are just as close as family.

That was the case for Michael, who was so excited about his big day that he invited his entire kindergarten class to be present at the court hearing! After all, he spends most of his time with them, making them a kind of family too. His teacher spoke to local news station WZZM-TV, explaining:

"We began the school year as a family. Family doesn't have to be DNA, because family is support and love."

The judge presiding over the case, 17th Circuit Court Family Division Judge Patricia Gardner, even mentioned how happy she was when her job description for the day entailed bringing families together. She commented warmly on Michael's support team, stating, "I understand we are joined by Michael's kindergarten classroom and teacher."

Not only did the kids sit in the back, but they all brought cardboard cutouts of pink and red hearts to show their love for Michael and happiness at him finding his forever family. From their smiling faces and Michael's joyous disposition, it was clear that all of the children were incredibly happy that day.

Michael's parents told Wood TV8 that they had been considering, "How can we build our family?" That's when they considered fostering a child and Michael came into their lives. Melvin told KMOV 4:

"He brings us a lot of joy. He's just so full of energy and so full of love. It's just been great for everybody."

That joy and love were evident in the courthouse that day. Michael swung around on his chair, looking back at his kindergarten family fondly, while also beaming at his new forever parents and even the judge. Michael's teacher Kerry McKee spoke of the important lesson that all of the children learned in the courthouse that day, telling WZZM-TV:

"The lesson is: put a little love in your heart. We rise when we support others."

Michael's dad even spoke of how fond the young boy is of his teacher, stating:

"He loves Mrs. McKee. We asked him and he said, ‘You know, the class is kind of my family.’ And he wanted them to be there."

It's absolutely adorable that Michael wanted his kindergarten family to be there, but the fact that the teachers actually took time out of the school day and made sure that they were all present is even more heartwarming. Michael and all of his classmates even met the judge who had been so happy to be looking over the case, and they all took photos together to cherish this once-in-a-lifetime memory. Despite being young children, the support that the class gave to Michael that day was incredibly meaningful.

But Michael wasn't the only lucky child who officially became part of his forever family that day — there were a total of 37 children who were adopted from within the foster care system that appeared in court that day! Judge Gardner touched on their stories, telling ABC affiliate 13 On Your Side, as reported by the BBC:

"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."

She went on to describe how much it meant to have people supporting you on such a day:

"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.'"

But she wasn't the only official who was present and commented on the day full of love. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman was also there and told KLTV:

"It is a great tribute to Michael that he had so many of his classmates here and so many said he was their best friend, too."

All of the people, no matter their age, who came to support Michael on his incredibly happy day prove just how important and meaningful adoption day is. Now, thanks to Michael and his friends, the world has managed to catch a glimpse into just how special an adoption day is. Michael's mother, who was incredibly happy that day too, explained this succinctly to KLTV:

"Giving a kid a permanent home, a forever family, is just the best gift you can give anybody."

What did you think of Michael's endearing story? Do you know of any similarly heartwarming stories of adoption? Pass this story on to those you know so that they can understand just how special adoption day is too!