SACRAMENTO - Actor Ron Masak presented Wayne Marcelin, from Alameda County, with California Lottery's "Hero In Education" award on the "The Big Spin®" show that airs June 2, 2001.
Marcelin spends many hours at Kennedy Elementary School in Newark volunteering with the literacy program and the after-school homework club. He tutors small groups in literacy instruction, stays all day working with students in reading, writing, spelling and study skills, and after school Marcelin runs the homework club. Marcelin also opens his own home for tutoring after school.
Educators at Kennedy Elementary school call Marcelin "a savior" who works hard to make sure struggling students don't fall through the cracks.
Actor, Ron Masak who is best known for his role as Sheriff Mort Metzger in the hit TV series "Murder, She Wrote," presented Marcelin with the "Hero In Education" award for his outstanding contribution to education.
Masak, who has six children of his own, said, "Children need to have the proper education to go out and do what they want to do with their lives and be able to express themselves."
Masak continued with advice for children saying, "Every successful person has had a teacher inspire them to do something. Find that hero, someone who cares about you whether it's your mom, big brother, or your sister, and tell them what your dreams are. Dream your dreams and then pursue them."
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 those volunteers. The "Heroes in Education" Program demonstrates that support for California's schools comes in many different and innovative ways. Since 1985, the California Lottery has raised more than $12 billion for public schools.
- # # # -