‘Thought it was a joke.’ But nursing student’s NC lottery win was the real deal
A student read an email that she thought was a joke — but the notice about her North Carolina lottery prize was the real deal.
Now, the aspiring nurse plans to put some of her prize money toward school expenses, according to the N.C. Education Lottery.
“You never really think something like this could happen to you,” winner Sara Wilkerson said in a Feb. 10 news release. “But it happened.”
Wilkerson scored the $150,000 jackpot after her scratch-off ticket was considered for the Holiday Spectacular second-chance drawing. Of the 9.5 million entries for the Feb. 8 drawing, hers won the top prize, officials said.
“I saw the email and I thought it was a joke,” Wilkerson told the N.C. Education Lottery. “I had never really won anything before but I kept trying.”
After the big win, she rushed to share the news with her mom.
“She didn’t believe me,” Wilkerson said, laughing. “I was like, ‘Mom this is legit.’’’
Wilkerson is from Laurinburg — in Scotland County, roughly 95 miles southwest of Raleigh — and kept $106,875 after taxes. In addition to spending on education, the 41-year-old nursing student plans to put some of her prize money in savings.
It’s not the first time a lottery prize left a player in disbelief. One North Carolina man had to grab his glasses to confirm he hit the jackpot, while another unexpectedly won on a tough day for his beloved football team, McClatchy News reported.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhen gambling is more than a game
Gambling is designed to be a source of entertainment.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
This story was originally published February 13, 2023 at 6:04 AM with the headline "‘Thought it was a joke.’ But nursing student’s NC lottery win was the real deal."
