Tennis champion Venus Williams once featured in California lottery ad
/Imagine stepping back into the hallways of your old elementary school, the memories flooding back as you walk past classrooms and playgrounds where your journey once began.
For Venus Williams, international tennis champion, this became a reality in 2017 when she returned to her elementary school in Lynwood, California.
But this wasn't just a trip down memory lane. Venus's visit had a special purpose—to honor and thank a person who had played a significant role in her early life, her former teacher, Ms. Judy Vellegas, her first grade teacher at Mark Twain Elementary.
Venus Williams's visit to her elementary school in Lynwood, California, was sponsored by the California Lottery as part of a "Back to the Start" social media video campaign.
This initiative aimed to bring celebrities back to their California campuses to surprise inspiring teachers and reminisce on their educational paths
The timing of her visit wasn't coincidental. It was May, National Teacher Appreciation Month, a period dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of teachers across the country.
Venus's journey back to her roots was filmed, capturing a heartfelt reunion that showcased the deep appreciation she felt for her former mentor.
This visit was more than just a personal gesture; it was a public acknowledgment of the impact that teachers can have on their students' lives.
“You are a star,” Venus told Vellegas. “Thank you for all you have done to help me rise.”
Venus's connection to California runs deep. She lived there until the sixth grade before moving to Florida.
This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, but her formative years in California, under the guidance of caring teachers, left a lasting impression.
The California Lottery's sponsorship of this event underscores its commitment to education and its support for teachers and students alike.
By highlighting Venus's visit, the California Lottery aims to inspire others to acknowledge and appreciate the vital role teachers play in our society.
