RALEIGH – Herman Mazzeo, a chief executive officer of a Winston-Salem based transportation company, is the second player to win the $150,000 top prize in the White Hot 5’s game. He purchased the lucky $5 ticket at the Quality Mart on Robinhood Road in Winston-Salem.

“I had to check a few times to make sure it was real,” Mazzeo said. “I really couldn’t believe it.”

After state and federal taxes were withheld, Mazzeo received a check for $103,801. As he received his winnings, Mazzeo spoke about the importance of the lottery to education.

“I’m really impressed with the amount of money that has gone to education in the state,” Mazzeo said. “The lottery is a good thing. I’m glad we have it.”

As of Tuesday morning, three more $150,000 top prizes remain to be claimed in the game.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.3 billion for the state. Net proceeds are used for prekindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, teachers’ salaries in grades K-3, school construction, digital learning initiatives, need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $97 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Forsyth County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.