Silver spring mom wins $50k scratch-off prize

SILVER SPRING, MD — A Montgomery County mother of two received an unforgettable Christmas gift this year, winning $50,000 on a scratch-off ticket purchased at the suggestion of her lottery-loving aunt.

Lilian Hernandez, a novice scratch-off player from Silver Spring, bought the $5 Deluxe Crossword 9th Edition ticket during a family trip to a Safeway in Wheaton for snacks. Initially believing she had won $50, Hernandez quickly realized her prize was actually $50,000 after a second scan of her ticket.

“It’s the biggest blessing we’ve had,” she said after claiming her prize on Monday, accompanied by her aunt, Norma Hernandez, who had encouraged her to buy the game.

The Safeway store where the ticket was purchased, located at 11201 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, will receive a $500 bonus for selling the top-prize-winning scratch-off.

Hernandez, who works at an emergency veterinary hospital, plans to use the funds to pay bills, reduce her mortgage, and assist family members financially.

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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