A heartwarming story from Michigan reveals how a principal’s compassion led to an unexpected family expansion. Three years ago, a foster teen named Bridgett found herself with nowhere to spend Christmas. Her principal, Jeremy Wright, stepped in and offered her a temporary home. What began as a two-week arrangement evolved into something much more profound when Bridgett became a permanent member of the Wright family through adoption.
Jeremy Wright, 49, who was serving as a principal in Plainwell, located just south of Grand Rapids, discovered that Bridgett, then 15, was about to be kicked out of her foster home. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jeremy shared the unsettling news that Bridgett was set to spend the holiday alone in an office building. Moved by her plight, he approached his wife, Jennifer, with the idea of welcoming her into their home.
Jennifer was initially hesitant. The couple already had two children, and Bridgett’s past involved struggles that gave her pause. Bridgett had faced a tumultuous upbringing, battling addictions to marijuana and alcohol, and had recently been asked to leave her foster home after a theft incident involving $300.
Bridgett’s challenges began early; she was removed from her biological mother’s care when she was just eight years old. Despite these hurdles, the Wrights saw beyond her troubled past, ultimately embracing her as a part of their family and changing her life forever.
The Wrights told PEOPLE that Bridgett had addictions to marijuana and alcohol, and was kicked out of her last foster home for stealing $300.
Bridgett had been removed from her biological mother’s home when she was only eight years old.
Her biological mom had a drug addiction and was a sex worker. Bridgett and her brothers were separated and placed into the foster care system.
She had lived with 20 different foster families before her initial two-week stay with the Wrights.
Jeremy Wright, 49, was working as a high school principal in Michigan when he decided to host a foster teen for Christmas
Bridgett, 18, was struggling with addictions and mental health when she was kicked out of a foster home before Christmas
Even though she was initially set to stay for two weeks, the Wrights decided to take her in and she was adopted in 2024
Jennifer confessed that the first few days were difficult, as Bridgett continued to smoke, steal alcohol, and sneak out of their house.
Bridgett then opened up about the sexual abuse she endured, and the family decided to get her help with her mental health.
‘It was like how in all my years of teaching, 25 years of teaching, I’d never heard a story like that. It was just so horrible,’ Jeremy told People.
The Wrights checked Bridgett into a hospital in Wisconsin and said she came back calm and focused.
‘I knew that if we could get her to go and get some help and get on the right medicine and get on the right track, that we could help her,’ Jeremy said.
Bridgett continued to live with the couple and their two children, Jacob, 18, and Kaylee, 21.
She initially didn’t want to be adopted by the family, but eventually came around to being a Wright and was legally adopted in May 2024.
Since she came into the Wrights’ care, Bridgett went from barely passing her classes to getting all As and Bs, and joined the cheer team.
Jeremy and his wife, Jennifer, described Bridgett as a loving girl who completed their family
Bridgett said in an interview with People that she’s been ‘living my princess life’ since she was adopted by the Wrights
Bridgett told PEOPLE that it was difficult to describe the feeling of having a permanent family, but confessed that she’s ‘living my princess life.’
The couple said that it was a treat to watch Bridgett grow and that she completed their family.
‘Bridgett is fun, she’s feisty, she’s just a sweet girl. She’s got a really big heart and is loving,’ Jennifer told the publication.
Bridgett is a senior and will graduate from high school next year. Jeremy now serves as a superintendent.
