What started in a classroom at a Florida elementary school has ended in court, with a new last name.
Substitute teacher Jackie Coombe has adopted Jaden, her former student at Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach, after a two-year process. The adoption was finalized on June 10, after the pair first met in a classroom in October 2023, according to WESH 2.
Recalling that first meeting, Jackie said Jaden, now 11, immediately stood out to her.
“It’s this lovely happy face, this beautiful blond hair, just cute, sparkly face,” she said.
Jackie said she stayed in that classroom for the rest of the school year.
“I ended up teaching in that classroom for the rest of the year, and we grew a lot and learned a lot from each other,” Jackie told the outlet.
The following spring, Jackie learned Jaden was in foster care and decided to begin the adoption process, including paperwork and background checks.
During the adoption hearing in early June, Circuit Court Judge Joan Anthony announced that Jaden would officially join the Coombe family. Jackie’s father and adult son also attended the hearing.
“Ms. Jacqueline is going to adopt little Jaden, and we’re also going to change his name. He’ll be forever known as Jaden Andrew Coombe,” the judge said.
“Congratulations, guys. I know you’re going to love on him and continue to show him all the love. So, congratulations on behalf of the court,” she added.
After the adoption was finalized, Jaden summed up the moment in a few words: “I got a mom!”
Jackie told PEOPLE that Jaden was permanently placed in her care in December 2025 “and has grown in love and trust since then.”
“He was already saying he was adopted that day,” she added. “The formal adoption hearing was the day his name changed.”
A spokesperson for Pathways Elementary told PEOPLE that Jackie and Jaden’s story “reflects the spirit of our educators at Pathways Elementary and throughout Volusia County Schools.”
“Stories like this remind us of why we do this work! What began as a relationship in the classroom grew into a family,” the spokesperson said.
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