Actor Ken Kercheval Presents ''Heroes in Education'' Award to San Gabriel Volunteer.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- On January 21, 2006, Deon Wilkins, a volunteer from San Gabriel, will be presented with the California State Lottery's "Heroes in Education" award on "The Big Spin(R)" show.

For more than 10 years, Ms. Wilkins, a retired teacher, has been a volunteer at Wilson Elementary School in San Gabriel. She assists teachers in three different first-grade classrooms by reading to the children and providing guidance to those who are struggling with certain subjects, and she helps the teachers prepare their daily lesson plans.

Ms. Wilkins also creates fun and exciting games that allow Wilson's students to test themselves on subjects they've studied in class. These games are designed to improve reading and writing skills, and inspire the students to explore other creative forms of expression. Ms. Wilkins rewards the students who join her games with treats and prizes that she pays for herself. The children are so interested in participating, that many of them choose her learning games over having recess. "There's nowhere else I would rather be than in a classroom," said Wilkins.

On hand to honor Deon Wilkins was actor Ken Kercheval, who has appeared in such shows as Crossing Jordan, ER, and Walker, Texas Ranger. His big screen credits include the films Pretty Poison, Rabbit, Run and Network. He's best known for his role as J.R. Ewing's archrival, Cliff Barnes, on the television classic, Dallas.

The California State Lottery's "Heroes in Education" award has been presented monthly on "The Big Spin(R)" 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.