SACRAMENTO - Actor Fyvush Finkel presented Jeanne McNally, from San Diego, with California Lottery's "Hero In Education" award on the "Big Spin® 2000" show that airs November 18, 2000.
Jeanne McNally has been volunteering in the San Diego area for forty years. McNally began her volunteer work in 1959 translating blind students' assignments into Braille. She continued working with the same students from elementary school through middle school and then gave them maps in Braille to help them find their way at their high school. McNally also tutors students that are learning English as a second language. Most of the students are very limited in English and she gives them an extra personal touch that makes the difficult experience of coming to a new country, going to a new school and trying to fit into a new culture a little easier.
Emmy award winner, Fyvush Finkel, who portrays "Harvey Lipschultz" on Boston Public, presented Jeanne McNally with the "Hero in Education" award. "You've got to give a world of credit to Jeanne McNally for the work she's done and I'm honored to present her with the award," said Finkel.
Finkel also had some advice for young people. He said, "The best wisdom for our children today is to respect their parents and elders, what they are doing and what they want to do; then they can't lose, they're winners already."
McNally was also awarded a resolution by California State Assemblywoman Charlene Zettel for her outstanding volunteer efforts. Assemblywoman Zettel applauded McNally's volunteer efforts in her constituency and is very proud to call McNally a member of her community.
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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