Katelyn Cetina of Girard pinches the cheeks of her newly adopted son, Colten Elliot Cetina, 6, during the adoption hearing before Trumbull County Probate Judge James A. Fredericka. Katelyn and her husband, Ethan, adopted Colten and his brother, Silas Wesley Cetina, who turned 2 on Friday, which was the annual Trumbull County Adoption Day.

WARREN — Trumbull County Probate Court embraced the magic of family Friday as it celebrated National Adoption Day with a theme inspired by the video-game world of Super Mario Bros. and friends.

Families and supporters packed the court to finalize adoptions and marked the occasion with love, laughter and a reminder that family bonds are unbreakable.

The courtroom decorations, featuring Mario and Princess Peach, added a touch of whimsy to the day.

Probate Court Judge James A. Fredericka, presiding over the event, referenced a line from the Super Mario Bros. movie to set the tone for the day’s message: “No harm can come to us as long as we stay together.”

“This quote resonates with what we’re celebrating today,” Fredericka said. “Adoption shows us that family isn’t just made through biology; it’s made in the heart.”

The day also marked a milestone across Ohio, where more than 5,000 adoptions were finalized. In Trumbull County, Ethan and Katelyn Cetina officially welcomed brothers Colten and Silas into their home.

“We fought tooth and nail to make sure we were their parents,” Ethan Cetina said. “We didn’t want to see them go to anyone else. They know us as mom and dad, and that’s what they’ll always call us.”

For Logan and Shelby Kirk, the adoption of their daughter, Ella Marie, was a dream come true after years of struggling to conceive.

“Ella has been the biggest blessing in our lives,” Logan said. “Today makes it official, but she’s been our daughter in our hearts since the moment she came into our home.”

The event also highlighted the need for adoptive families.

According to Trumbull County Children Services, more than 115,000 children across the U.S. are awaiting adoption. The agency’s adoption supervisor, Trudy Seymour-Evans, reported that 33 children are waiting for adoption here. Of those children, 12 are awaiting court finalization, while the remaining 21 have no identified adoption plans in place.

“The collaboration between the probate court and children services leads to adoption finalization in a timely manner,” Seymour-Evans said. “Our goal is to find every child a safe, loving permanent home. For our children in permanent custody, Adoption Day is one of those days that makes it happen.”

To recognize and celebrate the importance of adoption, the county commissioners officially proclaimed November as Adoption Month and designated Friday as Adoption Day in the county to promote awareness, support and unity for children and families involved in the adoption process.

Local students and community groups contributed to the day’s festivities. Warren G. Harding High School students provided artwork, and Lincoln PK-8 students designed Mario-themed photo props for families to enjoy.

Magistrate Chris Schiavone discussed the importance of these celebrations. “Adoption Day is about breaking myths and showing that love is what builds a family,” he said.

As families posed for photos and embraced their new futures, Fredericka captured the spirit of the day: “Today, we’re celebrating the strength and joy that adoption brings, not just for the children, but for the parents whose lives are forever changed.”