On July 9, 2005, Mary Smith, a volunteer from Los Angeles, was presented with the California Lottery's “Heroes in Education” award on “The Big Spin®” show.
Ms. Smith is a volunteer at Beethoven Elementary School in Los Angeles and the school’s Beautification Chairperson. Several times each year, Ms. Smith recruits parents, students and staff members to join her in sweeping schools sidewalks, picking up trash, and planting trees and flowers all around campus. She even created a special “Reading Garden” for students. Ms. Smith is also involved with helping local artist Neil D’Monte wallpaper the campus with murals depicting beautiful scenes from nature.
On hand to honor Mary Smith was actor-director, Anson Williams, who has directed such television shows as Baywatch, Beverly Hills 90210, L.A. Law, Melrose Place and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. He is best known as Richie Cunningham’s good friend Potsie Weber from his work on one of America’s most beloved television show, Happy Days.
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.