Lawrenceville has made a significant stride towards inclusivity with an immersive Spanish-language event designed to welcome and engage the city's Spanish-speaking students. The event, known as "Love Lawrenceville Day," was recently held under the aegis of Students46 and the City of Lawrenceville. The special edition of this community-oriented celebration was aimed at students from Gwinnett County’s International Transition Center (ITC), providing them with firsthand insights into local careers and government.
In a statement obtained by the City of Lawrenceville official website, Mayor David Still lauded the initiative, "Love Lawrenceville Day reflects our City's commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all who call Lawrenceville home." Indeed, the day's events unfolded with 27 students shadowing professionals across various city departments, receiving guidance from bilingual staff to simplify their understanding of the day-to-day operations.
Among the day's highlights, as reported by the city's website, was a three-hour business-shadowing experience that allowed the ITC students to observe roles in City Hall, Public Works, and the Lawrenceville Police Department. Such experiences were bolstered by the presence of ITC Principal Dr. Steve Frandsen, who translated for students, and key city officials who welcomed the young participants and encouraged their curiosity.
The positive response and engagement culminated in a lunch hosted at the Police Department with dishes from La Cazuela Lawrenceville, a local restaurant. The meal was complemented by a panel discussion featuring prominent Hispanic community leaders, including the owner of America's Benefit Center, Oscar Lievano, and Captain Salvador Ortega from the Lawrenceville Police Department. Students engaged with these figures to gain valuable insights into the community's diverse professional landscape.
Organizations such as See Beautiful and the Thumann Foundation have been instrumental in making the 2024 Love Lawrenceville Day a reality, providing support alongside additional contributions from CASA, the Latin American Association, and other local initiatives. Jen Young, Executive Director of Impact46, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the event, stating, “Love Lawrenceville Day continues to inspire local students by creating meaningful experiences that connect them to their community and workforce pipelines and foster a sense of belonging.” Additional Love Lawrenceville Day experiences are slated for the upcoming academic year, with Discovery and Central Gwinnett High Schools participating, as per the City of Lawrenceville.
