Kerri Wiesenberger, a volunteer from Westminster, was presented with the California State Lottery's "Heroes in Education" award on "The Big Spin®" show. Emmy-winning actress Kathryn Joosten presented the award.
Actress Kathryn Joosten was honored to be on hand to help pay tribute to Ms. Wiesenberger. Best known for her role as presidential secretary Mrs. Landingham on The West Wing, Joosten has appeared on countless television shows, including Scrubs, E.R., My Name is Earl, Grey’s Anatomy and Seinfeld. In 2005, Joosten won an Emmy award for her role as Mrs. McCluskey on the hit show, Desperate Housewives.
Kerri Wiesenberger is a stay-at-home mom who can rarely be found at home. This is because she spends most of her time in the band room at La Quinta High School in Westminster giving free instruction to the students in the band’s wind section.
For the past eight years, Wiesenberger, a former music major, has been volunteering for six hours a day, giving free musical instruction, as well as serving as president of the band’s Booster Club. She has worked tirelessly raising money for the music program that, like other programs around the state, has lost funding. Wiesenberger raises money for the band by organizing fundraisers and running the school’s snack shop, while at the same time recruiting and scheduling other volunteers. Wiesenberger’s volunteer efforts and musical prowess have helped the band gain national prestige. The La Quinta High School Band is one of only four bands selected to go to Hawaii to attend the 65th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. For Wiesenberger’s unending support of LaQuinta’s music program and most importantly its students, she is a true Hero in Education.
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.