Speaking as the mother of one of these artists, I fail to see this article as "meddling", at least in her case. I'm sorry if someone's experience was different, but please don't disparage all of it. And as for the suggestion that the author "find something a little more important to write about", my response is that this was a very important recognition for any fourth grader and following up on the paths these young people's lives have taken is interesting, I think. These young people are certainly old enough now to speak about their lives if they chose to do so, no one forced them into it. They are, after all, adults now.
Speaking as the mother of one of these artists, I fail to see this article as "meddling", at least in her case. I'm sorry if someone's experience was different, but please don't disparage all of it. And as for the suggestion that the author "find something a little more important to write about", my response is that this was a very important recognition for any fourth grader and following up on the paths these young people's lives have taken is interesting, I think. These young people are certainly old enough now to speak about their lives if they chose to do so, no one forced them into it. They are, after all, adults now.