SACRAMENTO -- Congresswoman Hilda Solis presented Brenda Johnson with California Lottery's "Hero In Education" award on the "Big Spin® 2000" show that airs December 16, 2000.
Ms. Johnson started volunteering in 1978 when her children were in the Bassett School District system and in 1999 was selected by then-Senator Solis for Senate Woman of the Year.
Her volunteer efforts started when her own children were in grammar school. She volunteered for the PTA, then spearheaded the "Uniform Movement" showing why the school district should institute uniforms for its students. She said, "I traveled all over, even out of the country, to see how well school uniforms worked and how they made each child equal in a learning environment, especially in areas known for gangs." She went on to join the Bassett Olympian Boosters, an organization that raises money for any club in the school district that needs it, and has now served that organization in almost every capacity: Member, Vice-President of the PTSA, a Parent/Teacher Organization.
Johnson ran for the Bassett School Board and won a seat in 1991. Since then she has served as Vice-President and President of the Board for the past three years. In 1992, she was appointed by then-Assemblywoman Hilda Solis to the Board Association where she represented the 57th Assembly District for California at the Educational Summit.
Congresswoman Hilda Solis was the youngest Latina Legislator to be elected in the state of California. She recently became the recipient of the Year 2000 John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for her work on environmental issues. This award is given annually by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. When asked about her new post as Congresswoman, she said, "I am glad to be working at the Federal level to enhance public schools in our state."
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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