RALEIGH – Tansy Johnson, a retired nursing assistant from Greensboro, likes to play her favorite scratch-off game Golden 7’s with hopes of winning big. On Tuesday, her hopes came true when she scratched off the game’s $150,000 top prize.

“I kept saying that there was a big prize to be won in that game and I was going to find it,” said Johnson. “I win a lot on those tickets and I always knew a big win was coming. Now it’s here and I couldn’t be happier.”

Johnson purchased the lucky $5 ticket at the Circle K on Groometown Road in Greensboro. After taxes were withheld, she received a check for $103,801. She said she plans to use her prize money to pay bills and take a vacation to Gatlinburg, Tenn.

“My husband and I haven’t taken a vacation in years,” Johnson said. “We were married in Gatlinburg 25 years ago and we can’t wait to go back. This money couldn’t have come at a better time. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

As she collected her winnings, Johnson said she appreciates what the lottery does to help fund education in the state.

“That’s the reason I play the lottery in the first place,” Johnson said. “Education should always come first. Even if I don’t win, I know the money is going to a good cause.”

Johnson’s good luck continued as she won $200 in the new $200 Million Blowout game on a ticket she purchased at lottery headquarters while waiting for her big win to be processed.

“I’m having a lucky streak,” Johnson said as she held her check for the first time. “This feels fantastic.”

As of Tuesday morning, five more $150,000 top prizes remain to be claimed in the Golden 7’s game.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.4 billion for the state. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $154 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Guilford County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.