Before heading to work this morning I picked up the paper and read a heartfelt story about how the success of an undefeated high school football team is helping a community heal from a tragedy that cost the life of one of the team's young members.

In the article I learned of the ways that his family, friends, teammates, coaches and community had drawn together to support each other through the tragedy; how they were using the event to rise above the disparaging thoughts others voice about each of them.

While reading, I was saddened by the loss of life, inspired by the bonds that were bringing the White Center community together, and reminded of why I am glad to be alumni of Evergreen High School. For all that, I thank the Seattle Times.

Then I recalled the night before when I read the local newspapers for the place I call home and noted the differences. The White Center News printed hardly a thing about White Center, instead covering West Seattle, their schools, their youth and their issues.

Amazingly, that is better than how White Center was treated by the other local paper, the Highline Times of Burien. For weeks, they have seemingly worked to avoid printing anything positive about the inspiring football season Evergreen High School is having, but have been willing to report when the school's other teams lost. They were sure to cover the tragedy surrounding the Miller family's loss of their son, Michael, and have highlighted the misinformation brandied about by those in Burien who think that they live on the right side of the tracks while those of us from White Center do not.

Even though they are free, I find it increasingly difficult to tolerate the White Center News and the Highline Times as they pass through my space on their way to the garbage. Meanwhile, I gladly continue my paid subscription to the Seattle Times and thank them for supporting our community, our schools and our youth at this time.

Dale C. Mar

White Center