Contestants Win More Than $400,000 On The Big Spin Show; Two Cloverdale Women Receive the California Lottery's ``Heroes in Education'' Award.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2001

California Lottery's "The Big Spin(R)" show airs Saturday, October 20, 2001, in twelve television markets statewide. Contestants on this week's show won a total of $442,500.

Cloverdale residents Cheri Nicholson and Lohrie Pardue were awarded the California Lottery's "Heroes In Education" award. Nicholson and Pardue are parent volunteers at Jefferson Elementary School in Cloverdale. Over the past 4 years they have dedicated their time and energy to improving the atmosphere both in and out of Jefferson's classrooms. From providing rewards for good cafeteria behavior to encouraging participation in the student banking program, Cheri & Lohrie are making sure Jefferson students are learning life lessons as well as learning the 3 R's. According to their nominator, Margaret Shafer, "In addition to the time and energy that they have dedicated to our school, they have both made significant financial contributions always without seeking any sort of recognition or thanks. These ladies do not work alone, they have a dedicated group of about 10 parents who help them, but at a small school like Jefferson (500 students) these ladies are an invaluable asset. They have both faithfully volunteered in classrooms with their children for the past 4 years."

Actor Bernie Koppel, who is best remembered as "Doctor Adam Bricker" from the television series The Love Boat, presented Nicholson and Pardue with the "Heroes In Education" award for their outstanding contributions to education.

Marty Selko, a proxy for his wife, Irit Selko, was this week's finalist at the California Gold game winning $225,000. The Selkos, residents of Agoura Hills, want to buy a summer home and donate some their prize to needy people. When Mr. Selko was asked where the summer home would be, he readily answered, "On the beach in Ventura." Selko's first spin landed on the "TRIPLE" spoke and his next spin landed on the $75,000 spoke giving him and his wife a grand total of $225,000. California Gold is another way to get to the wheel on "The Big Spin." The game starts with 10 contestants whose Big Spin Scratchers(R) tickets each revealed three "TV SHOW" symbols on one ticket. When instructed, each player pushes down a "detonator" to reveal a prize ranging from $1,750 to $4,000. Two of those contestants will reveal gold nuggets and advance to the second round of play. Once there, they compete ...