Ms. America Presents California's "Hero In Education" Award

01.14.2000
Ms. America Presents California's "Hero In Education" Award

SACRAMENTO - California Lottery hosted it's "Hero In Education" award segment on this week's "Big Spin® 2000" show. Reigning Ms. America, Susan Jeske, presented this week's honoree, Tom Thompson with the award. Thompson was awarded the "Hero In Education" award for his dedication and commitment towards education as a volunteer parent at the San Juan Unified School District in Sacramento as a PTA member and president, a school fund-raising, his involvement in Santa's Secret Shop Program, and San Juan council Cloths Closet. He is a member of Mesa Verde High School's Boosters' Club and is also know as a "Team Dad" to school athletes.

Susan Jeske, reigning Ms. America ,who is also United Student Aid Association's national spokeswoman, was chosen to present Thompson with the award because of her belief in the importance of education. "I want to try and get my message out about the importance of education and try and make a difference," said Jeske. "If I can graduate from college, anyone can," she said. Jeske emphasizes the fact that children need to get good grades. "The higher the grades, the better options students have in their choice of schools," said Jeske. Jeske also speaks at school assembly programs on the importance of education, and on a violent and drug free atmosphere for schools. She believes in teaching children how they have the personal responsibility for their future, for they themselves are the future. The seminars are provided to schools free of charge.

The California Lottery sells its products through a network of more than 18,000 outlets statewide. The Lottery provides 52 percent of its revenues to players as prizes, 34 percent to public schools, and 14 percent for administrative expenses, which includes 6.8 percent for retailer commissions. Since 1985, the Lottery has raised more than $11 billion for public schools. The California Lottery's contribution equals approximately 2 percent of the state's total education budget. "Big Spin® 2000" is the longest running Lottery Game show in the country, airing continuously since 1985.

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2000 1st Quarter Press Releases: Article