An Unforgettable Spring Break for Emporia Resident - Wins $20,000 Top Prize

After purchasing 10 Kansas Lottery $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch tickets at the first of March, Virginia Smith set them aside to play later, but forgot about them.  Wednesday evening, nearly three weeks later, she remembered the tickets and was shocked when she discovered one was worth $20,000!  The Emporia resident revealed all 10 words on the eighth ticket she played, winning a top prize.

"My favorite lottery game is Bingo, but when I bought my tickets, I decided to try the Bonus Crossword game instead," said Smith.  "I started to buy five tickets and realized there were only a few left in the ticket dispenser, so I told the store clerk I would buy the rest.  Looking back, I'm glad I bought all those tickets since I won on the eighth one."

After realizing she had won a $20,000 top prize, Smith couldn't believe what she was seeing and decided to wake up her husband Joseph at midnight, so he could take a look at the ticket.

"I told her it looked like a winner to me," said Joseph.  "We counted the words several times to be sure.  I used to get mad because she bought lottery tickets, but now I'm keeping my mouth shut."

Smith, who works for U.S.D. 253 in food service, has been enjoying spring break this week.  After winning a $20,000 top prize, this spring break will be one she won't soon forget.
 
"I can't wait to return to work and share the good news with my coworkers," said Smith.  "I'm sure everyone will be surprised."

The Smiths, who have been married 43 years, have two children and five grandchildren.  When Lottery officials asked what they had planned to do with their winnings, they both agreed they would, "Give God His share by tithing to their church and pre-pay for their funeral arrangements."

The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 734, located at 105 W. 12th Ave. in Emporia.