SACRAMENTO – “The Big Spin®” show aired Saturday, May 29, 2004 and featured Zeniada Rosario of San Ysidro who received the Lottery’s “Exceptional Educator” Award from Secretary for Education Richard Riordan. Ms. Rosario’s love of teaching began at an early age when she would teach English to her younger cousins in her backyard “classroom.” Today, she’s an accomplished third grade teacher at La Mirada Elementary School in San Ysidro.
Inside the classroom, Ms. Rosario empowers students by instilling the belief that they are capable of achieving any goal. A belief, she herself, had to put into action when she suffered a mild stroke. She realized that this health crisis was a challenge she would not simply overcome and learn from; but, would also teach others about the importance of good health. She embarked on her biggest venture ever, to pioneer a school-wide program called “Moving Kids Through Aerobics.” Twice a week, Ms. Rosario leads up to 120 students to a 45 minute aerobic workout. The workout period frees up the other teachers to fine-tune their lesson plans. Thus, along with healthy activity, students benefit academically as well. Ms. Rosario was also selected as one of “California’s 2004 Teachers of the Year.”
The California Lottery’s “Exceptional Educator” Award has been presented on “The Big Spin®” television show since April of 2001. The Lottery enlists legislators and state officials to present these awards which recognize outstanding teachers whose extraordinary efforts help California students to succeed.
In 2003 the California Lottery contributed $1 billion to public schools for the third consecutive year and is on course to meet this goal for a fourth consecutive year.
- # # # -