3/15/2007
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor Peterson to address students, youth leaders at two separate events today
Indianapolis – Mayor Bart Peterson will address local high schools students and youth leaders at two events today, Thursday, March 15:
1 p.m. -- Manual High School, 2405 Madison Ave.
Mayor Peterson will speak at the “Freedom Writers Program” featuring Erin Gruwell, a nationally acclaimed teacher whose inspirational story at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California was made famous in the motion picture Freedom Writers starring Hillary Swank.
By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, Gruwell transformed her students’ lives. She encouraged them to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and to rechart their futures. Through Gruwell’s leadership, her students shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers and aspiring college students. The students dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” - in homage to civil rights activists “The Freedom Riders” - and published a book.
Gruwell will share her experience and teaching philosophy with the students and teachers of Manual High School.
4:30 p.m. -- Indiana Youth Leadership Conference, Indiana Statehouse (North Atrium)
Mayor Peterson will address aspiring youth leaders attending the Indiana Youth Leadership Conference. The conference is aimed at building leadership skills and providing attendees with opportunities to meet other young people, attend interactive workshops, tour the Indiana State House and interact with local leaders and members of the Indiana General Assembly.
Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council will help lead one of the panel discussions at the conference.
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