Jason Smith is the principal at this school and has been for over 14 years. One day, a young girl was sent to his office after she caused some trouble with another student.
Raven, a then-11-year-old student, got into a fight and threw yogurt at a classmate – landing her in Principal Jason Smith’s office.
There’s nothing strange about kids getting into fights. That’s bound to happen at some point, especially in a school. But Jason had to do his job and give the child some friendly discipline.
The principal recalled the impression he had upon first seeing Raven. She’d indeed caused trouble, but she didn’t look to be the type who enjoyed it. Raven seemed sweet and had just made a mistake that every kid could make.
Throwing food at someone isn’t very nice, and Principal Smith had to make this point to her.
Raven was facing suspension – not a great look for any student. If she wanted a future in college or in a job, she’d have to get her act together.
He asked her if she would also throw food at someone in a restaurant.
Any other kid might just give a simple “no” and skulk in the chair while the principal elaborated. But Raven was no ordinary kid.
Raven told him that she’d never even eaten in a restaurant.
Jason was confused by this. So Raven explained what she meant.
Raven lived in a group home, and had previously lived in foster homes for much of her life. She had no family of her own.
So that’s why. Principal Jason never ran into this situation in his years speaking to the kids at his school.
Now he saw Raven in a different light, and it almost seems coincidental.
“At that point, I had felt like she just needed a hand, needed help.” he said
It’s coincidental because Jason and his wife, Marybeth, don’t have kids of their own – even though they always wanted them.
Try as they might, they were never able to conceive a child through years of trying.
And along comes Raven into his office, almost like a sign.
Principal Jason felt like this was an opportunity for everyone that they shouldn’t let slip.
Maybe he can make things go right for Raven for once.
So in the weeks that followed, Jason and Marybeth talked it over. Between the two of them, and with Raven too.
Before long, they were approved as foster parents. That was when the couple really got to know Raven.
The taste of her new life wasn’t as seamless at first. Raven still viewed Jason as an antagonistic principal, and not yet as a father. The truth was that Jason was a kind, loving man – and she’d soon come to learn that.
Raven felt like this would be just another temporary foster family – but she happily turned out to be wrong.
The Smiths were the family she always needed, and they formally adopted her in 2017.
Now after 6 years, Raven graduated college and still comes home to the family she never thought she’d have.
Listen to them tell their story below. If you found this sweet or touching, please share this article too!
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