Michigan Woman Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize

Imari Shelton from Ottawa County says beginner’s luck brought her a $1 million Powerball prize. According to Michigan Lottery Connect, the 19 year old won $1 million playing Powerball with a ticket purchased at a gas station, located in Holland. Shelton matched the first five numbers drawn in Saturday night’s drawing to win her big prize.
“When I saw the jackpot had climbed so high, I decided I should take a chance and play,” said Shelton. “I wasn’t even sure how to play, so I had to ask my mom for help.”
With her mother’s help, Shelton bought five Powerball Easy Pick plays.
“When I woke up on Sunday, my mom told me that someone who had bought a Powerball ticket at the Speedway had won $1 million,” said Shelton. “As soon as I heard that, I grabbed my ticket and started checking the numbers. When I saw I matched five numbers, I started shaking.
“I asked my mom what it meant if I matched five numbers and she thought I was joking. After she looked at my ticket with me, we both started screaming.”
Her winning ticket had a Powerball of 10, just three numbers off from the Powerball that was drawn (13). While Shelton barely missed winning the $949.8 million Powerball jackpot, she is happy to be $1 million richer
“I am a student working and eventually want to earn a law degree and become a lawyer,” said Shelton. “This money will help make that dream a reality for me.”
In addition to using her newfound wealth for school, Shelton also plans to save a portion and buy some Powerball tickets for Wednesday night’s drawing.
“Winning $1 million feels unreal and I don’t know how to describe it, but winning $1.3 billion would be mind-blowing,” Shelton said.
No jackpot-winning tickets were sold for Saturday night’s drawing, and the jackpot now stands at a record $1.3 billion. It is the largest jackpot in world lottery history.
The largest Powerball jackpot ever won in Michigan was won on August 15, 2012, here in Lapeer County by Donald Lawson, of Lapeer. Lawson won a $337 million Powerball jackpot that holds the record for the largest Lottery prize ever won in Michigan.

Good Luck!