School staff win $1 million Powerball jackpot in honor of late co-worker
ASHLAND, OH – A group of ten elementary school employees in Ashland struck a $1 million jackpot in the August 6 Powerball drawing, and they say the win was made even more meaningful because they played in memory of a beloved co-worker who passed away.
The group of educators from Crestview Elementary School had continued their workplace lottery pool even after the death of Mary Jo, a longtime kindergarten teacher and original member of the group. On August 6, their persistence paid off — with a ticket worth $1,000,004.
The ticket was purchased by pool organizer Karen at the Circle K on Seville Road. She discovered the win while sipping coffee and checking the numbers.
The group said they continued to contribute money for Mary Jo’s spot in the pool after her death, never leaving her out of a single drawing. In a gesture honoring that promise, the group gave Mary Jo’s share of the winnings to her children.
Each winner will receive approximately $72,000 after taxes. Members of the pool plan to use the winnings in different ways, from buying cars to paying off mortgages.
The group said they have no plans to stop playing.
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Key Points
- Ten school employees in Ashland, Ohio, won $1 million in the August 6 Powerball drawing
- The group played in honor of a late co-worker and gave her portion of the prize to her children
- Each member of the group receives around $72,000 after taxes and plans to keep playing