FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 7, 2010
Contact: Dana Jacob
800-837-5591
jacobd@starr.org
Changing the world, one student at a time
Erin Gruwell shares her incredible journey at Founder’s Day
ALBION, MI – At-risk students of Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, many of
which were at one time deemed “unteachable,” were encouraged and promoted to rethink
rigid beliefs about themselves and others in order to give themselves a chance to restart
their future. All thanks to their teacher, Erin Gruwell.
Gruwell, a young and ambitious teacher, inspired, motivated and, consequently, gave her
students a second chance on life, much like what Starr Commonwealth strives to achieve
for the at-risk youth and families it serves. “Ms. G,” as she came to be called by her students,
found a way to reach the students of this tough, racially divided school and to educate those
who were written off by the education system. Eventually all 150 of her students graduated
from high school and went on to attend college.
Since leaving the classroom, Gruwell founded the Freedom Writers Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds scholarships and promotes innovative teaching
(www.freedomwritersfoundation.org).
It is because of her fierce determination, passion for the lives of these youth and
transformational leadership that Erin Gruwell has been selected as this year’s Founder’s
Day speaker. Founder’s Day, the annual celebration of the day founder Floyd Starr, his
family and the first youth served by the organization moved into Gladsome Cottage in
October 1913.
“Ms. Gruwell has been an inspiration to many and we are eager to hear her story,” said
President and CEO Martin L. Mitchell. “Starr Commonwealth believes that when you treat a
child with dignity and respect, it changes a child’s heart. And that, in the end, is what
changes a child’s life. We believe our youth, families and staff will truly connect to and
relate well with Erin Gruwell.”
With the help of her inspirational students, Gruwell has written an international sensation
and a New York Times bestseller, “The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150
Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them,” which ill be
available for purchase immediately following the program.
Gruwell has won national attention for her teaching. A movie, “The Freedom Writers,”
starred actress Hillary Swank in the role of Ms. Gruwell. She and her students also have
appeared on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "Primetime Live" and Barbara Walters' "The
View." Her class and their story have been chronicled in the Los Angeles Times, the Long
Beach Press Telegram, by the Associated Press and on National Public Radio.
Gruwell has won numerous teaching and humanitarian awards, including the Spirit of Anne
Frank Award, the Long Beach Unified School District Teacher of the Year, The Long Beach
PTA Teacher of the Year, the Credential Counselors and Analysts Teacher of the Year for
the State of California, the Channel 4 (NBC) Crystal Apple Award, the Channel 2 (CBS)
What's Right With Southern California Award, the American Jewish Committee Micah
Award, the 100 Black Men Award in education, the National Conference of Community and
Justice Gene Lentzer Human Relations Award and the Junior Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding Educator Award for the State of California.
Please mark Oct. 3 on your calendars and plan to join us as we celebrate Starr
Commonwealth’s 97th anniversary. Starr Commonwealth is located in Albion, Mich., just off
I-94 at exit 119. All Founder’s Day events are open to the public. Visit www.starr.org
for more information on Founder’s Day and to register in advance for the event.
Founded in 1913, Starr Commonwealth is a private, nonprofit organization licensed by the
States of Michigan and Ohio and accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for
Families and Children. Starr Commonwealth provides a comprehensive continuum of care
for at-risk youth and their families including community-based early intervention and
prevention services and specialized residential alternatives. The full spectrum of services is
offered through Starr’s five locations in Michigan and Ohio and training for professionals
who work with youth is conducted nationwide. Starr Commonwealth is a Better Business
Bureau accredited charity. Visit the website www.starr.org for more information.
SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS
Founder’s Day Schedule
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010
Registration & Car Show begins
Chapel service begins, Chapel-in-the-Woods
Chicken lunch, Mawby Conference Center
Campus tours
- Koby Cottage
- Gladsome Cottage
- Newton Cottage
1:30 to 3 p.m.:
Program featuring guest speaker Erin Gruwell begins, awards
and scholarships presented, Towsley Recreation Center
3 to 4 p.m.:
Book signing with Erin Gruwell, Towsley Foyer
9 to 10 a.m.:
10 to 11 a.m.:
11 to 12:30 p.m.:
11 to 1 p.m.