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November 8, 2005

There are many reasons for Gail Gilland’s students to cheer. She is a guiding hand for students at Damascus Middle School in Washington County. On November 5, during the Virginia Tech vs. Miami football game in Blacksburg, those students and all fans of outstanding educators in the Commonwealth were able to cheer when she received a Virginia Lottery Excellence in Education Award.

The presentation took place on the field at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg in front of more than 65,000 spectators. Virginia Lottery Interim Executive Director Donna M. VanCleave presented Ms. Gilland with the special plaque in the shape of Virginia, signed by Governor Mark Warner and Ms. VanCleave.

Ms. Gilland is the library media specialist and technology coordinator at Damascus Middle School in Damascus. Now in her 17th year at the school, she has created an environment that is both inviting and full of learning potential for her students. She is a past recipient of the Blue Ridge Public Television Teacher of the Year Award and the Governor’s Innovative Technology in Education Award. She was named a Regional Teacher of the Year for 2005 and was a finalist for statewide Teacher of the Year.

“Gail Gilland represents Virginia education at its best,” said Ms. VanCleave. “She is a credit not just to Washington County but the entire Commonwealth.”

This is the seventh year the Virginia Lottery has presented Excellence in Education awards to outstanding Virginia educators. A total of six educators will receive Excellence in Education Awards this year.

All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 public school education. In fiscal year 2005, the Lottery turned over more than $423 million for education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on Virginia Lottery profits visit www.valottery.com/money.

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