The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell released their Freedom Writers Diary 20th Anniversary Edition on September 4, 2019, at Vista Del Lago High School.
“The first time we did this launch in 1999 we went to a bookstore and crammed as many people as we could,” said Erin Gruwell. “Tonight is the first official launch of the new book. Instead of going to the bookstore, we came here.”
The Freedom Writers Foundation chose to release the new book at one of our MVUSD campuses to celebrate our District's milestone of reaching 150 Freedom Writer Teachers, including Superintendent Dr. Kedziora and School Board President Jesús Holguín.
“We are here tonight by choice, by purpose. Now that we are in that fold of 150, there are some incredible things to be made, created and fostered. We are going to do incredible things that involve you.”
Over 450 freshmen students had the privilege of meeting Erin Gruwell at an assembly at Vista Del Lago High School. Erin Gruwell is a beloved teacher-turned-author who used writing to motivate her once-troubled teens to find a new way to express themselves safely and accept each other. Some students were so inspired by her speech, they came to the evening event that was open to the public to meet the Freedom Writers themselves.
Dr. Kedziora and the Board provided every student who attended the 6 p.m. book release event a free copy of the book, which will help keep them academically motivated throughout the year. Students and staff also had a chance to get their book signed by Erin Gruwell and five of the Freedom Writers!
“I am thankful for Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers for coming to speak to our students,” said School Board President Jesús M. Holguín. “They have made an impact on me and many of our teachers through their program. I know that she has also impacted our students today with the stories she shared and I hope we can continue this to empower our students to express themselves in creative ways."