Actor Mitch Ryan Presented ''Heroes in Education'' Award to Los Angeles Volunteer.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- On November 20, 2004, Mitch Ryan presented Rubie Whitlow, a 20-year volunteer from Los Angeles, with the California Lottery's "Heroes in Education" award on "The Big Spin(R)" show.

For over 20 years, Ms. Whitlow has been working as an educational assistant at Florence Griffith-Joyner Elementary School in Los Angeles. While her job only requires that she works three hours, Ms. Whitlow stays the whole day to serve as a volunteer. She tutors first grade students, while she gives them "one-on-one" attention, helps grade their homework in the evenings, and creates projects that will enhance their learning. She has even been known to stand in for parents when they are not available for class presentations and parent-teacher conferences.

Ms. Whitlow's level of commitment shows the students that, no matter what the circumstances, they should always have an opportunity to learn. This special attention has helped these students achieve test scores that are "at-or-above" their own grade-level each and every year.

On hand to honor Ms. Whitlow was Mitch Ryan who has starred in some of television's biggest daytime dramas including All My Children, Santa Barbara and General Hospital. He is best known for playing Greg's father, Edward Montgomery, on the award winning sitcom Dharma & Greg.

The California 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.

Note: Additional information about the California Lottery may be found at www.calottery.com.