Believing the dream

What are young people if not idealistic — sometimes even given to rose-colored glasses — but also quick to hold the adult world to high standards?

The Seattle Times asked juniors studying U.S. history at Rainier Beach High School in South Seattle and Henry M. Jackson High in Mill Creek to write short essays on "What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means to me."

We selected several in honor of his birthday today. The essays showcase some of the different perspectives of youth living cities apart in the Puget Sound region.

Amphay Thiraphouth, Rainier Beach School
 
Michael West, Jackson High School
 
Dana Burns, Rainier Beach High School
 
Jesse Sexton, Jackson High School
 
Aurora Lehr, Jackson High School