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Tax refund turns into $300K jackpot for Virginia woman after Wawa ticket buy

CHESAPEAKE, VA — A Virginia woman turned extra cash from her tax refund into a life-changing $300,000 lottery win after sending her fiancé to pick up scratch-off tickets at a Wawa.

Kaitlin Gilbert of Portsmouth hit the top prize on a Crossword Spectacular ticket purchased at the Wawa on South Military Highway in Chesapeake.

The couple was sitting on the floor scratching tickets together when she realized one of them was worth $300,000.

The winning game offers prizes ranging from $10 up to $300,000, and this marks the first top prize claimed, with two still remaining.

Gilbert, who works in customer service, plans to use the winnings to buy a home and a vehicle.

Virginia Lottery profits support K-12 education, including more than $22 million distributed to Portsmouth schools last fiscal year.

Key Points

A Virginia woman won $300,000 on a scratch-off ticket
The winning ticket was purchased at a Wawa in Chesapeake
The winner plans to buy a home and vehicle with the prize

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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