SACRAMENTO – On October 1, 2005, Esperanza Roman Vazquez, a volunteer from Salinas, was presented with the California State Lottery's “Heroes in Education” award on “The Big Spin®” show.
For the past year, Ms. Vazquez has been a volunteer at the Lincoln Elementary School in Salinas. When she learned that the school would not be providing the kindergarten class with a teacher’s assistant due to lack of funding, Ms. Vazquez decided to help out on a fulltime basis, for free! She worked with the students on a one-on-one basis in subjects like math, art, and reading. Her valuable contribution to the class allowed the teacher more time to develop in depth lesson plans, aimed at maximizing learning for Lincoln’s students.
On hand to honor Esperanza Vazquez was actress, Allyce Beasley, who has appeared in such films as Legally Blonde, Stuart Little and Loaded Weapon 1. She is best known for playing the rhyming receptionist Agnes DiPesto in the hit television detective show, Moonlighting.
The California State 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.