Teen excels high school despite being kicked out by parents after learning he was gay
Seth Owen is now trying to raise funds to go to university with the help of a GoFundMe account
By Steve Brown
A teenager managed to be one of the top students at his high school despite being kicked out by his parents when they discovered he was gay.
Seth Owen, 18, excelled at school despite living with friends after his religious parents discovered he was gay after seeing a picture on his phone and demanded he attend a church that has anti-LGBT views and see a counsellor.
Despite this, he managed to excel at his Jacksonville school and is trying to raise funds to attend Georgetown University.
And one of his former teachers has lent a hand by setting up a GoFundMe account which has already raised more than $25,000 and despite university tuition fees costing $77,000, Seth is receiving financial assistance from the university.
His former teacher Jane Martin wrote on the fundraising site: “I taught Seth biology and mentored him throughout his high school years. He was the ring bearer in my wedding.
“Last month, I watched him walk across the stage in a Jacksonville arena weighted down by more cords and medals to count. I’m writing this community for help.
“Earlier this year (after a year of attempted conversion therapy), Seth’s parents gave him an ultimatum.
“He would either continue to attend the church that outwardly attacked him and his sexual orientation or he would need to leave home.
“For his own well-being and safety, Seth chose the latter. He’s been living with friends and working to sustain himself since financially.
“His parents have refused to support him emotionally or financially because they deem his sexual orientation inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
“Throughout this all, Seth held his head high and continued to work almost full-time while finishing high school at the top of his class as the co-valedictorian.
“Seth was admitted to Georgetown University and received a financial aid package based on the premise of parental support.
“Seth appealed this decision with letters from mental health professionals, school personnel, mentors, and community organizations, but Georgetown University has refused to amend his financial aid package leaving Seth with $20,000 bill to cover his first year.
“It looks like Owen will make that first year goal now thanks to help from generous donors.”