The first day of school is a momentous occasion for many kindergartners, and it’s usually one that parents never forget. But, for 5-year-old Michael Orlando Clark Jr., it was his day in court that marked a brand new beginning for him, and it became the one day that both he and his parents would always remember.
Michael had a crowd of supporters at his court hearing, which included all the classmates he had invited from Wealthy Elementary in East Grand Rapids in Michigan.
Of course, his parents were also right there by his side. They had to be. They were about to officially adopt him!
It was adoption day in Kent County, Michigan, and Michael was one of 36 lucky kiddos who was about to be officially adopted into their forever home. However, Michael’s adoption case was a little bit different.
On his Twitter feed, WZZM13 morning news anchor James Stark said:
“Probably the cutest story you will ever see. A kid who’s being adopted invited his ENTIRE kindergarten class to attend his adoption.”
Michael was looking like a totally chill boss as he kicked back in the courtroom, and there was a throng of adorable 5-year-old supporters cheering right behind him. His parents were waiting eagerly in anticipation by his side, and grinned from ear-to-ear as soon as the judge officially named them a family!
Of course, they were family even before the judge declared it so, but now that it was on the books, the real party could finally get started.
Michael’s teacher couldn’t have said it better when she spoke up in support of the excited little guy.
“We began the school year as a family. Family doesn’t have to be DNA, because family is support and love.”
And boy did Michael have a a ton of support and love going on that day! His classmates and best friends could be seen waving heart-shaped flags into the air as soon as the judgement had been made.
“It is ordered Michael, that your forever mom and dad will be David Andrew Eaton and Andrea Louise Melvin.”
Of course, no judgement could have been passed until all evidence had been presented. But, that’s what friends are for!
Michael’s classmates were there not only to support him, but to vouch for him as an outstanding young man. They introduced themselves to the judge and told her they were there because they loved him.
One of his classmates, Steven, said:
“My name is Steven and Michael is my best friend.”
A sweet little girl named Lily also piped in, and as she twisted her hair with her finger, she unabashedly declared:
“My name is Lily and I love Michael.”
After the judge banged the gavel in favor of this new forever family, the courtroom erupted with applause, cheers, and celebration.
Honorable Judge Patricia Gardner, who presided over the adoption hearing that day, said:
“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.”
Judge Gardner went on to say:
“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.'”
Watch the video below to see Michael celebrate one of the happiest moments of his life in spectacular fashion!
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