Miss Pennsylvania to speak at York County's National Adoption Day ceremony

The Office of the York County Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court will hold its inaugural National Adoption Day celebration Friday with remarks from a special guest who knows firsthand how adoption can change lives.

The reigning Miss Pennsylvania, Tiffany Seitz, will tell the story of how she was born addicted to cocaine and lived in foster care before her adoptive family gave her a home.

"She gets to tell her personal story about her own life and her own adoption, and how that has led her to a year of service in advocating for adoption across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," said Bryan Tate, the county's register of wills and clerk of orphans' court.

Tate said his office has a lot of interactions with people during difficult and sad times in their lives, including settling estates of family members who recently died and processing guardianship cases.

But adoption is a positive event, Tate said, and observing National Adoption Day is a way to recognize the good things that happen in the clerk's office.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show excitement and support for families who are expanding in that way," he said.

Tate said he hopes that bringing attention to Seitz's positive adoption story will encourage York County families that are looking to grow to consider adoption in their plans.

Tate will also recognize an individual who has made a significant impact on adoption in York County. He said the recognition will become an annual honor.

The ceremony will be streamed live at 11 a.m. on the county's Facebook page. To abide by social distancing guidelines, the public will not be permitted to attend in person.

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