Ohio Elementary School Employees Win $1M Powerball, Honor Late Colleague

A group of ten employees from Crestview Elementary School in Ashland, Ohio, won $1,000,004 in the August 6 Powerball drawing through a lottery pool organized by Karen, who purchased the winning ticket at a Circle K in Seville. The pool has continued to include their late colleague, Mary Jo, who passed away from cancer six years ago, by contributing for her share each time they played, and her portion of the prize was given to her children. Each winner will receive approximately $72,000 after mandatory state and federal taxes. The group, grateful for the win and Mary Jo’s memory, plans to use the money for various personal expenses such as buying cars and paying off mortgages, and they intend to keep playing together. Karen described Mary Jo as their "guardian angel," highlighting the camaraderie and emotional significance behind their continued participation in the pool. This story underscores how the group’s bond and tradition in memory of a late friend culminated in a surprising and joyful lottery win.