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Matilda Moment: Teacher Adopts Beloved Student
15 May
Summary
- Teacher adopted a student who was in foster care.
- The student's unique personality made a strong first impression.
- The adoption was finalized on Christmas Eve 2021.
Lexi McClelland, a second-grade teacher, met Mary in 2020, and the 7-year-old's singing of her name immediately charmed her. Mary, having experienced instability in four foster homes, was a bright and creative student. McClelland and her husband, Max, developed a deep connection with Mary.
When plans for Mary's adoption by another family fell through in late summer 2021, McClelland, eligible through kinship placement, quickly stepped in. Mary moved into their home in September 2021, and on Christmas Eve 2021, the couple officially asked Mary to join their family. They formally adopted Mary in April 2022.
Their family has since expanded with the birth of their son, Murphy, last year. Although McClelland sometimes reflects on not being there from Mary's infancy, she feels their journey has "worked out perfectly." Mary, preparing for eighth grade, now reflects on their shared growth, stating, "We learned from each other."
