Kindergarten class shows up to cheer Mich. boy’s adoption

A class of kindergartners in Michigan made a unique field trip Thursday to witness a classmate’s adoption.

Students from Wealthy Elementary School in Grand Rapids ventured to a Kent County courtroom to support their classmate, Michael Clark Jr., and his acceptance into his forever home.

The children squirmed on the wooden benches with curiosity and excitement as they waited for their friend to be called before 17th Circuit Court Judge Patricia Gardner, who had a sparkly red scarf and flashing blue, green and gold Christmas ornaments draped around her neck.

Gardner banged her gavel, read declarations of adoption to weepy, smiley parents and dabbed her own eyes with tissue as 37 children were welcomed into new homes.

“I understand we are joined by Michael’s kindergarten classroom and teacher,” she said when it was time for her to review Michael’s adoption, WOOD TV reported.

Michael was suited in khakis and a two-toned blue vest over a checkered shirt with a purplish bow tie to complete his adoption day look. He appeared ready to sit next to his dad, David Eaton. The boy had been fostered for about a year by Eaton and his wife, Andrea Melvin, before becoming a permanent family member on Thursday, according to WOOD TV.

Michael’s classmates waved around pink and red hearts attached to a stick to show their support.

The kindergartner asked his mom and dad if his classmates and his beloved teacher could watch him officially become their son, Eaton told WOOD TV.

“We asked him, and he was just like, ‘You know the class is kind of my family.’ And he wanted them to be there,” Eaton told the station.