We are honored to have Ms. Erin Gruwell as our keynote speaker for the 2008 Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast.

In the fall of 1994, as an idealistic first-year teacher, Erin Gruwell, took on the challenge of a class of “unteachable, at-risk” students at a California high school. The class was a diverse mix of African- American, Latino, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Caucasian students — many from the rough neighborhoods in Long Beach — who made it clear they were not interested in what she had to say.

A pivotal classroom event changed their lives forever and fundamentally changed the way she taught. Fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she encouraged students to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and to rechart their futures.

With Erin’s steadfast support, her students shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students and citizens for change. Dubbing themselves the “Freedom Writers,” they transformed their lives. Erin and the original Freedom Writers even published a book! Their story inspired the motion picture “Freedom Writers.” Ms. Gruwell is President and Founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, which reaches educators, students and community members through programs such as The Freedom Writers Institute, which offers innovative teacher training; educational products such as The Freedom Writers Diary; scholarships for youth and the original Freedom Writers; and outreach through speaking engagements and workshops.

For more information visit www.freedomwritersfoundation.org