National Adoption Day was celebrated at the Grand Forks County District Court on Saturday, Nov. 17, with the adoption of 10 children by six families. Judges Karen Braaten and Joel Medd presided over the adoption hearings.
The event was organized by Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) program staff.
After the adoptions there was a program including remarks by Julie Hoffman, State Adoption Administrator, Mayor Michael Brown and Judge Joel Medd, the 2011 Angels in Adoption Award Winner, as well as a musical selection and comments from adoptive parents, followed by a balloon release ceremony.
The event has gotten bigger each year with over 100 participants and guests at this year's event.
| An adopting dad and new son testified together at the National Day Celebration before Judge Joel Medd. | |
| A new adoptee gets ready to gavel at his adoption. | |
| A new family with youngster, complete with hat and gavel. | |
| Senator John Hoeven's staff, Tom Brusegaard, Mayor Mike Brown and Marilyn Hagerty participated in the balloon release ceremony celebrating the adoptions. | |
| The 2012 adopting families with AASK workers Trich Heck and Andea Olson. |
Nov. 26, 2012