According to the Adoption Network, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Of those children, nearly 115,000 are unfortunately unable to be returned to their families or are waiting to be adopted.

With those numbers in mind, it’s, of course, an overwhelmingly joyous experience when a child successfully gets adopted, especially if they’ve been in foster care for a long period of time. Not only is it a happy time for the child, but it’s a new beginning for the new parents, the adoption agency and everyone involved.

For one little boy in Michigan, Michael Clark Jr., getting adopted was everything he could’ve dreamed of and more. And when the day finally arrived, Michael was so excited, that he invited every single one of his classmates from his kindergarten class to attend the hearing on Adoption Day.

Michael was just one of the 37 children that were being adopted that day, but certainly had the biggest turnout—and the love everyone had for this little boy didn’t go unnoticed.

“There is not a dry eye on Judge Patricia Gardner’s courtroom,” Kent County, Michigan, wrote on its Facebook page on the day of the adoption.

“It’s adoption day at the courthouse — the BEST day of the year!” Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kent County, one of the sponsors of Adoption Day, wrote on their Facebook. “Congratulations to Michael and his family…so cool that his entire class came to support him!”

After the posts made their rounds, social media blew up in a happy frenzy over the act by this 5-year-old—and the photo that shows the adorable little faces watching as Michael gets adopted in the court stands. It really puts into perspective just how exciting getting adopted can be for a child!

“I couldn’t even get through to reading the last words before I felt myself taking that old familiar inhale in preparation of my heart skipping beats followed by tears of pure joy for him, and his classmates to experience such a heartwarming event together,” one person wrote in their comment under the photo.

“Absolutely could not be happier for Michael and his parents. An amazing experience for his students to see as well,” another person commented about the story. “That’s true love.”

“This also says a lot about the school, the teacher and all the parents who consented for their children to attend. Such love!! Beautiful city!” another woman acknowledged. “Huge props to the teacher, school and family for making this happen! So cool!” another person wrote.

Michael has now been officially adopted by foster parents, Andrea Melvin and Dave Eaton. We, on behalf of the thousands of people who loved, liked, shared and commented on the story on social media, wish him the best in his new life with his new parents!

How sweet was it for Michael to invite his entire class to witness his adoption? Have you or do you know anyone who’s been adopted before? We’d love to hear the story!