SACRAMENTO - Actor Karim Prince of NBC's Freaks and Geeks presented Virginia de la Piedra with California Lottery's "Hero In Education" award on the "Big Spin® 2000" show that airs October 21, 2000.
Ms. De La Piedra is the founder and president of United Parents for Education, Inc. (UP for Education). The goal of UP for Education is to increase parental involvement in their child's education, to reduce teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and to improve technology in school.
UP for Education has accomplished many things for the community. A computer fair sponsored by UP for Education resulted in 13 families purchasing computers for their homes. Under Ms. De La Piedra's leadership, the group purchased and donated new and used computers to Fillmore Middle School. UP for Education sponsored a Mariachi concert that raised nearly $13,000 for the Fillmore High School marching band. Other activities by the UP for Education group included their participation in "Fillmore Literacy Week" to help purchase new books for the school library and to bring awareness regarding illiteracy.
Actor Karim Prince presented de la Piedra with the "Hero In Education" award. Prince acknowledged the unique contribution by Ms. De La Piedra and said, "It is an honor to have an opportunity to present the Lottery's Hero in Education award to a true hero like Ms. De La Piedra."
Prince's own hero was his father who gave him the foundation and tools he needed to succeed in life. When asked, what advice Prince had for today's youth, he said, "Be your own guiding light for the things you want to do in life. Establish a foundation, as far as your focus and discipline, and that will drive you." As for Prince's future, he would like to continue his acting career and use his celebrity status to help bridge the communication gap between parents and their children.
California Lottery's "Heroes in Education" Program recognizes outstanding volunteers in the community. Through their dedication and efforts, California's students receive enrichment opportunities that may not have been available without these volunteers. The "Heroes in Education" Program exemplifies that support for California's schools comes in many different and innovative ways. Since 1985, the Lottery has raised more than $12 billion for public schools.
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