Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez at Old Bridge High School Thursday Night

Old Bridge, NJ - Central New Jersey's own Laurie Hernandez, who just earned her spot on the Team USA gymnastics team, is quickly becoming America's favorite new gymnast, and Olympian.

Hernandez, far left in this photo of Team USA women's gymnastics, will be celebrated by her hometown of Old Bridge Thursday night with a special public appearance at Old Bridge High School. Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry told NJ.com all Old Bridge residents are welcome to show their support for Laurie at the high school on Rt. 516 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The event will actually be at the Grade Nine Center, not the main campus.

Laurie, 16, is a student at Abeka Academy High School in Old Bridge. She was born in New Brunswick, but lives in Old Bridge. She trains at MG Elite (Monmouth Gymnastics Academy) in Morganville and her coaches are Maggie Haney and Victoria Levine.

"We can send her off to bring home the gold," Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry told NJ.com.