SACRAMENTO – On May 8, 2004, James Avery presented William Allen Young, who stars as the father on the television show Moesha, with the California Lottery's “Hero in Education” award on “The Big Spin®” show.
For nearly 20 years, Young has been working with inner-city students in Inglewood, through his “Young Center.” With the help of other volunteers, he’s been offering terrific programs that focus on the importance of a good education. Seven years ago, Young started a new facet of the program and called it “Breakfast of Champions.” “Breakfast of Champions” delivers breakfast to the entire student body of four different schools during the two-week period in which the SAT Nine testing is performed.
Not only does Young pay for the meals, he also serves the food and speaks to the students to motivate them to do their best. He runs radio ads and public service announcements to let the community know how important nutrition is to academic performance. He has motivated many parents to volunteer and pitch in to help students succeed.
On hand to honor Young was James Avery who has starred in television shows like LA Law and That 70’s Show and is well-known for his role opposite Will Smith as the Harvard-educated judge on the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
The California Lottery’s “Heroes in Education” award has been presented monthly on “The Big Spin®” television show, since 1999. The Lottery partners with celebrities to present these awards which recognize special individuals who volunteer time and resources to their schools and communities.
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