Adoption Day Celebration Brings Joy to Families in Ann Arbor

On November 25, 2023, the Washtenaw County Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hosted its first Adoption Day since 2019, bringing joy to families uniting with their new children. The event aimed to raise awareness about adoption and the importance of foster care. Among the participants was 7-year-old Airi Tribo, who expressed her excitement, stating, “I got hot chocolate, and I’m getting adopted.”

The day featured three adoption ceremonies officiated by Judge Arianne Slay. Families attending the event had the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, engage in crafts, enjoy refreshments, and even meet a life-sized inflatable SpongeBob Squarepants. Airi was surrounded by friends from school, who congratulated her with long-stemmed pink roses, making her moment even more special.

Stephanie Tribo and Sam Collinsworth, Airi’s new parents, began their adoption journey earlier this year, finalizing the process in April. The couple, who married in 2024, celebrated their commitment to Airi by exploring part of her Japanese heritage during a trip to Japan. “She loved it. She wants to go back,” Stephanie said, highlighting Airi’s growing interest in her cultural background.

The ceremony also included the adoption of 5-month-old Myles by Jessica and Lane Hurd. The couple had been waiting for several years for this moment. Jessica recalled the day they received the call about Myles, saying, “We were there a couple hours after he was born.” She praised his birth mother for her courage in creating a plan for Myles, which ultimately led them to this joyous occasion.

According to estimates, around 10,000 children are currently in foster care in Michigan, with approximately 200 children available for adoption. Judge Slay emphasized the importance of events like National Adoption Day, stating that they not only allow families to celebrate their adoptions but also raise awareness about the need for more foster and adoptive families.

“Every kid should be in a home with a loving family,” Slay remarked, expressing her joy at witnessing the happy conclusions of these families’ journeys.

For individuals interested in learning more about the adoption process or children available for adoption, resources are available through the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.