Virginia Avila was awarded the distinguished "Exceptional Educator" award by Attorney General Bill Lockyear on October 25, 2003.
Ms. Avila's love of teaching began at the age of ten when she would gather neighborhood kids into her family's garage to teach them the alphabet. She is an accomplished English teacher at Grant Union High School, whose dedication to students spans over three decades. Inside her classroom, she empowers students by guiding them through a rigorous curriculum of written language and the spoken word. Students are challenged and inspired to set high standards knowing they can attain their goals if they continue to work hard and believe in themselves. Outside her classroom, Ms. Avila is often seen patrolling the street helping homeless teens and at-risk students making sure that no student falls through the cracks. "Virginia is an inspiration to students and colleagues alike and that's why she has been selected as one of California's Teachers of the Year and is a nominee for National Teacher of the Year," explained Attorney General Lockyer.
The California Lottery's distinguished "Exceptional Educator" Award has been presented on "The Big Spin®" television show since April of 2001. The Lottery enlists various Legislators to present these awards which recognize the outstanding teachers whose extraordinary efforts help California students to succeed. This week's show aired Saturday, October 25, 2003, in 12 television markets statewide.