Herndon lottery player’s persistence paid off with a $1 million win

HERNDON, Va. — A Fairfax County woman won $1 million in Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle after purchasing her ticket on Christmas Day, Virginia Lottery officials announced.

Arikua Dagnachew bought the winning ticket, #068764, at McNair Farms Sunoco, located at 13470 Coppermine Road in Herndon. It was one of five tickets drawn for the $1 million top prize.

Dagnachew claimed her prize but did not announce any immediate plans for her winnings.

Four other $1 million-winning tickets were sold in Ashburn, Fishersville, Henrico, and Moneta. Seven additional tickets won $100,000 each, while 1,000 tickets claimed $500 prizes.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

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