Erin Gruwell will bring the inspiring story of the Freedom Writers to a free event 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart.

Erin is a pioneering educator who took a classroom of students no other teacher wanted and transformed their lives. She will demonstrate how we all can make a difference in the lives of young people in order to grow healthy communities and healthy youth.

“Erin Gruwell is a nationally sought-after speaker whose work was the catalyst for Martin County embracing the concept of building developmental assets in our youth,” said Holly Laiben, director of CHARACTER COUNTS! of Martin County. “Erin’s inspirational story will appeal to people of all ages and show how the power of one can make a significant difference in the lives of many.”

Erin and her students at a Long Beach, Calif., high school captured their collective journey in a book titled “The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them.” Books will be available for $20 each the evening of the event; a book signing opportunity will follow the presentation.

The Dec. 6 event is free; however, space is limited and pre-registration is required. To inquire about space availability and pre-registration, contact Holly Laiben, director of CHARACTER COUNTS! in Martin County, at (772) 283-4800, ext. 234, or hlaiben@unitedwaymartincounty.org.

Currently, Gruwell serves as president of the Erin Gruwell Education Project (www.gruwellproject.com), a non-profit organization that promotes inclusion and provides scholarships for children in need. For more information on this speaker, please visit www.apbspeakers.com.

Erin’s story will be told in an upcoming movie called “Freedom Writers,” in which she will be portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank.

Because Erin Gruwell’s message is so important, many community partners are pooling their resources to bring her to this area. The event is sponsored by:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin County

• CHARACTER COUNTS! of Martin County

• Children’s Services Council of Martin County

• Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County

• Circuit 19 Juvenile Justice Council

• Lyric Theatre

• Martin County Youth Leadership

• Martin County Juvenile Justice Council

• Martin County Interagency Coalition

• Planned Parenthood of Greater Miami, Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, Inc.

• Shared Services Network of Martin County

• Tykes & Teens

• United Way of Martin County