SACRAMENTO – On February 19, 2005, Tom Goodson, a volunteer from Santa Clara, was presented with the California Lottery's “Heroes in Education” award on “The Big Spin®” show.
For 38 years, Goodson has been volunteering at Pomeroy Elementary School in Santa Clara. During these years, he has performed many functions, from helping-out in the classroom to pitching-in at school fundraisers. Goodson also organizes lunchtime contests for Pomeroy students, rewarding them with prizes for participating and showing good sportsmanship. To encourage positive behavior during the school’s monthly “Spirit Day” event, Goodson provides lunch for students who show a mastery of important life skills like sharing, caring and leadership.
In addition, Goodson has given a significant amount of his time to Pomeroy’s baseball teams for the physically disabled. He’s worked in the snack bar, served as an umpire, and actually coached many of these teams to championships. Goodson’s work with these students has meant so much to the school, that they actually named an outdoor basketball court after him.
On hand to honor Tom Goodson was Armin Shimerman who has appeared in numerous films like Blind Date, Dangerous Curves and Eye for an Eye. He has starred in such television shows like Brooklyn Bridge, Beauty and the Beast, and as Principal Snyder on the WB’s hit show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He is best known as the Ferengi bartender, Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
The California Lottery’s “Heroes in Education” award has been presented monthly on “The Big Spin®” 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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