Each year, the Virginia Lottery contributes more than half a billion dollars to our schools and, since 1999, that number totals more than $8 billion. Those dollars support a variety of programs including school breakfast, class-size reduction, textbooks and even discretionary funding for each locality – $191 million in FY18 to be exact (visit the Lottery website for additional details).
More than the dollars and cents, though, the Lottery works to make a direct connection with those who dedicate their lives to shaping our childrens' futures: our teachers. Since 2008, the Lottery has honored outstanding educators with the “Super Teacher” award. Ten years and 80 surprise presentations later, the Lottery now is excited to begin work on a brand-new program honoring our educators. Keep a look out for that program launching in fall 2018.
The Virginia Lottery also looks forward to its third year of “Thank a Teacher,” a campaign designed to thank as many public school teachers as possible around Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Check out VALottery.com/thankateacher for details on a new Thank a Teacher student art contest, launching in January, as well as information on how all Virginians can thank our amazing teachers and give them a chance to win some awesome prizes.
At the Virginia Lottery, we’re game for education and our mission is simple: Contributing to Virginia’s future one play at a time.
