With a few days left in National Foster Care Month, the AWESOME today comes from Arkansas. A second-grade teacher in Arkansas never imagined the bright, funny student who loved books and sang her own name in class would one day become her daughter. Lexi McClelland met Mary at Elm Tree Elementary and quickly saw her creativity and joyful spirit shine despite years in foster care. When Mary’s planned adoption fell through, Lexi and her husband, Max, opened their home to her. The bond felt immediate, and by Christmas Eve 2021, they asked Mary to officially join their family. The adoption became final in April 2022 during an emotional courtroom ceremony. Now 12, Mary is thriving as a student, big sister, and beloved daughter, and THAT’S AWESOME.
