Boy, 5, cheered on by classmates in adoption hearing

Red and pink paper hearts filled the back of a family court in Michigan, USA, and holding them were kindergartners who were classmates of a boy that was to be adopted.

Michael Clark Jr., 5, got the support of his classmates and teachers yesterday, Dec. 5, as his adoption was formalized in court. Michael’s foster parents, Dave Eaton and Andrea Melvin, were officially making him a part of their family after a year of raising him, WOOD-TV reported yesterday.

A picture shared by Kent County of Michael and his parents, with his classmates in the background, warmed the hearts of many on Facebook. The picture has over 100,000 shares as of posting.

According to Eaton, Michael considers his classmates as his family. It was his teacher Kerry McKee of Wealthy Elementary School who thought of bringing the class to witness the momentous occasion.

For a courtroom, there was much love in the air: during news interviews, Michael would interject to say “I love my daddy,” “I love my mommy” and “I love Mrs. McKee.”

Michael was one of 37 children in the foster system who found forever homes that day.  Niña V. Guno /ra

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