Monroe county couple wins historic $7 million jackpot in pennsylvania — US dollars bundle close up isolated on dollar background. Paper denominations of dollars cash rolls with rubber bands. Business budget of wealth and prosperity finance. Pile capital of American US dollars bills notes cash

WIND GAP, PA — A Monroe County couple has made history as the first-ever winners of Pennsylvania’s $7 million top prize in the Cash4Life® multi-state lottery game.

Stephen Juhasz III and his wife, Shana, purchased the winning ticket for the January 3 drawing at a GIANT Food Store in Northampton County. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the lucky ticket.

The win came as a surprise after Shana bought the ticket during a grocery trip to pick up ice cream and donuts for their daughter. Using a Quick Pick option, she selected the winning numbers. The next day, the couple discovered they were millionaires.

Stephen, who was at work as a fast-food restaurant general manager, received the call from Shana. After confirming the win using the Pennsylvania Lottery app, he immediately left work to celebrate.

The couple opted for the $7 million cash option instead of the $1,000 a day for life annuity. After taxes, they will receive an estimated $5,105,100. They plan to use the winnings to pay off student loans, invest, save, and take their children on a dream trip to Disney.

This is the first time since Pennsylvania joined Cash4Life in 2015 that the state has awarded the top prize. Officials from the Pennsylvania Lottery and GIANT Food Stores celebrated the win by presenting a commemorative check to the Juhasz family.

The Pennsylvania Lottery also noted that funds generated by the game continue to support programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians.

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News