Telling their story
I commend Sara Jean Green for her article highlighting YouthCare and ROOTS [“More aid for homeless youth,” NWThursday, Feb. 4]. Many readers know little about the thousands of Seattle youth struggling to find housing, job training and basic necessities — or about the organizations struggling to serve them. However, both Green and her editor should apologize to Kevin McMillen Jr. for their carelessness in running his comment regarding his parents.
I was with McMillen and his classmates as a volunteer the day your article printed. Each student was in awe and felt empowered by the $7.7 million gift to their center. McMillen was initially thrilled to see his photo above the fold. However, his excitement quickly diminished as he realized he would be unable to share his delight with his parents. McMillen quietly expressed his disappointment that, of all the things he shared with Green, she would choose that piece [of information]. An article meant to emphasize the importance of youth empowerment instead became a source of anxiety and shame for a student it featured.
Parental failure and a young man’s struggle to articulate his disappointment are not news. McMillen’s noticeable passion, perseverance, curiosity and vibrant personality are newsworthy.
— Nathan Hollifield, Seattle