On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Baylor Law Public Interest Legal Society (BPILS) transformed the law center into a world of magic and wonder as Baylor Law School hosted McLennan County’s 17th annual Adoption Day. In partnership with the McLennan County Department of Family Protective Services and the judiciary, the law school brought together adoptive families, lawyers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Ad Litems, and community members to celebrate the creation of forever families. With the theme “Family is Chosen,” this year’s celebration transported families to a Harry Potter-themed world where castles, wands, and magic set the stage for a truly memorable event with adoption hearings, festivities, and unique gifts for the families.
Friday was especially significant for the 19 children officially adopted into their forever families during the 15 hearings held by Judge Alan Bennett of the 474th District Court in Waco. Friday’s event marked a significant milestone, bringing the total number of adoptions finalized during Baylor Law School’s annual celebrations to 430 since Adoption Day began in 2008.
A Day of Celebration and Community
This year’s Adoption Day festivities were truly magical. The enchanting decorations transformed the halls of Baylor Law School into a whimsical wonderland, featuring Hogwarts-inspired backdrops, floating candles, and engaging hands-on crafts and activities that captivated the children and their families. Law student volunteers, many dressed in costumes that matched the day’s motif, warmly welcomed attendees with smiles and open arms, ensuring the day was as unforgettable as the milestones it celebrated.
“It’s not just about finalizing adoptions; it’s about celebrating the love and commitment these families have chosen to share with each other,” said Bridget Fuselier, a professor of law and faculty sponsor of BPILS. “The theme ‘Family is Chosen’ reminds us that the bonds we create through love and intention are just as powerful as those formed by blood. It’s an honor to witness the beginning of these families’ journeys together.”
The day began with a warm welcome and inspirational remarks by Professor Fuselier, followed by an invocation delivered by Baylor Law School 3L Kingrey Sullins. Special acknowledgments included a proclamation from the City of Waco, presented by City Councilman and Baylor Law School’s Clinical Programs Director Josh Borderud, and a tribute to Prof. Fuselier and Judge Alan Bennett for their unwavering dedication to children and families.
The magic continued as Judge Bennett presided over the 15 adoption hearings in the beautifully decorated Jim Kronzer Appellate Advocacy Classroom and Courtroom. Families and supporters celebrated each adoption with cheers, applause, and joyful tears. Before and after their court appointments, the adopted children and their families participated in themed activities, including crafts, games, and a photo booth to commemorate the day. The adopted children also received personalized gift baskets and delicious sweet treats.
The Journey to Forever Families
The adoption process is seldom straightforward and can be quite complex. It demands considerable hard work, patience, and resilience from foster parents, adoptive families, caseworkers, legal professionals, and the children themselves. Baylor Law School’s Adoption Day serves to recognize and celebrate these important contributions, providing an opportunity to reflect on both the difficulties and the successes experienced throughout this often lengthy journey.
The Perdikari/Chavier family, who finalized the adoption of their son, shared their joy after working for 15 months to adopt. “Today’s a really big day. Knowing that he’s going to be with us forever and he’s going to have a loving home means a lot,” adding. “He completes our family, and we love him. He means everything to us.”
Baylor Law School’s Commitment to Service
“Adoption Day is more than an event; it is a testament to Baylor Law School’s dedication to community service and pro bono work,” noted Dean Jeremy Counseller. “The celebration offers law students invaluable hands-on experience and demonstrates the transformative impact lawyers can have on their clients and the community.”
BPILS played a central role in organizing and hosting the event, with 159 student volunteers managing everything from coordinating decorations to ensuring that families felt supported and celebrated. Adoption Day was a deeply meaningful experience for many students—a chance to connect their passion for advocacy with their commitment to serving children and the community.
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a family law attorney,” noted BPILS President Erin Kitchenka. “I want to be a child advocate; I want to represent kids who are getting adopted, who are in foster care, or are involved in the family law system. As soon as I learned that Baylor Law School hosts [Adoption Day], I knew I would be involved!” BPILS Vice-President Daniel Whittington, in full costume dressed as half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, added, “Being a lawyer is being a community member, being a service member, that’s why I’m here. It’s really all about doing our part as community members, being here for these kids and our community.”
A Magical Theme with a Deeper Meaning
This year’s theme, “Family is Chosen,” highlighted that family is not always defined by biology but by love, commitment, and a willingness to help one another. The whimsical setting served as a powerful metaphor, emphasizing the magical bonds formed through adoption.
The themed celebration created memories that will last a lifetime for the adoptive families. With activities that included wand-making stations and interactive storytelling sessions, every detail was thoughtfully organized by hundreds of student volunteers from Baylor Law School. Their efforts aimed to bring smiles to young faces and remind everyone of the extraordinary love that unites their families.
Gratitude for Community Partners
Adoption Day would not have been possible without the support of hundreds of community partners and donors whose contributions helped bring the event to life. Baylor Law School expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all who made the celebration possible.
“Today’s event reflects what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” said Fuselier. “From the volunteers to the donors and everyone in between, your support has made this day magical for so many families. Thank you for helping us celebrate the joy of adoption.”
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Looking Ahead
Families left Baylor Law with full hearts and cherished memories as the day ended. Adoption Day 2024 was more than a celebration; it reminded the law school students who volunteered and participated in the proceedings about the power and responsibilities inherent in the legal profession.
Reflecting on the event, Fuselier noted, “Adoption Day renews our commitment to this work yearly. It’s a day that reminds us why we do what we do as lawyers and as a community. We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration and witnessing even more families come together.”
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