Michigan Principal Took In 15-Year-Old at Christmas — Two-Week Plan Became a Family; She Was Adopted in 2024

When Plainwell High School principal Jeremy Wright learned in December 2022 that one of his 15-year-old students would be forced out of her foster home just before Christmas, he offered what he intended to be a short-term solution: he and his wife would take the teen in for two weeks while social workers found a new placement. That temporary plan became permanent — and, after intensive care and support, the teen was adopted by the Wrights on May 22, 2024.

The Crisis That Sparked a Decision

Wright says the student, known as Bridgett, broke down in his office and her social worker told him, "During Christmas, Bridgett would be alone in an office building, sleeping on a cot in their office." With no viable alternative and the holidays approaching, Wright and the school's resource officer called his wife, Jennifer — an elementary reading specialist — to ask whether they could house the girl temporarily.

Courtesy The Wright FamilyBridgett (right) during homecoming in 2024

A Rocky, Truthful Beginning

Bridgett arrived within a few days, carrying two suitcases of dirty clothes. The transition was difficult: she struggled with marijuana and alcohol use, had recently stolen money from her foster parent, and at times sneaked out of the house. The Wrights installed practical safeguards — including a cowbell on her bedroom door — and coped with sleepless nights as they learned more about her past.

Behind her behavior were deep traumas. Wright says Bridgett had been removed from her biological mother's care at age 8 and had lived in roughly 20 foster placements, separated from her brothers. She suffered from anxiety, substance issues and, as the family later learned, horrific childhood sexual abuse by two men unrelated to her.

Courtesy The Wright FamilyBridgett during a Wake the World event

Treatment, Therapy and a Turning Point

About a month after she arrived, the Wrights added Bridgett to their health care coverage and arranged psychiatric care: an initial stay at a local mental health hospital followed by a four-week program in Wisconsin. They made a promise to her — if she engaged in treatment, they would welcome her back — and that step proved pivotal.

When Bridgett returned, Wright describes her as calmer and more focused. She joined the track team, began passing classes for the first time since elementary school, and started consistent individual and family therapy. The Wrights invested time and ordinary family experiences — vacations, sporting events and simple outings — to rebuild trust and help her feel secure.

Courtesy The Wright FamilyBridgett (center, front) on a family cruise for spring break 2024

From Temporary Shelter to Legal Adoption

State social workers and representatives from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption suggested adoption as a long-term option. Initially reluctant — she had never imagined having a permanent family — Bridgett eventually agreed. On May 22, 2024, she was legally adopted by Jeremy and Jennifer Wright, becoming their third child.

Justice, Advocacy and a Future

With the Wrights' support, Bridgett reported her childhood sexual abuse to law enforcement; Wright says two suspects have since been arrested and that Bridgett is prepared to testify. Academically and socially, she has continued to progress: in her first semester of senior year at Delton Kellogg High School (where Jeremy now serves as superintendent), she earned As and Bs and is considering careers such as dental hygiene or as a flight attendant.

Bridgett has also appeared in a public service campaign with the Dave Thomas Foundation to raise awareness about adoption. "It's been a treat to watch her grow," Jeremy says. Jennifer adds, "Bridgett is fun, she's feisty, she's just a sweet girl. She's got a really big heart and is loving. She's really completed our family."

"She just needs help, she needs a home," Jeremy said when he first invited her in — a decision that ultimately changed all their lives.