Ten win $20,000 each in ‘Proud Moments’ contest

August 9, 2016 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:44 AM

Ten North Carolina families who shared stories of how education has made a difference in their lives have won $20,000 each in the lottery’s N.C. Proud Moments contest.

In the contest, the lottery asked North Carolinians to share their proudest moments in education and how they would use the prize money to create more proud moments. We received hundreds of moving responses on the N.C. Proud Moments website. From the 200 entries that got the most votes from viewers, a panel of judges chose 10 winners. Here they are:

The contest marks our 10th year raising money to support education programs in North Carolina. The Proud Moments contest captures the spirit of that mission. The $4.6 billion raised so far have helped to create proud moments in education all across our state.

Here are links to stories of the winners' Proud Moments:

Stephanie Ambrose of Elizabeth City: Nine-year-old son spearheads fund-raising efforts to improve school playground

Rick Benton of Statesville: Son with disabilities goes to kindergarten for the first time, starting his education career

Beth James of Kernersville: Daughter’s success dealing with school and family responsibilities during senior year in high school

Kim Hetzler of Hendersonville: Overcoming homelessness as child to earn GED

Lucy Plyler of Kings Mountain: Daughter receives acceptance letter to ClemsonLIFE to further her education

Jeffrey O’Neil of Tarboro: Grandson, who is a paraplegic, crosses the stage for elementary school graduation

Angelo Smith of Lincolnton: Student with spina bifida undergoes 20 surgeries and still graduates high school on time

Marvin Squires of Wilson: Daughter started school club dedicated to integrating special needs and traditional students

Patrick Vincent of Stem: Nine-year-old stepson chooses to donate books to school library instead of getting birthday presents.

Jennifer Watkins of Durham: Daughter with spina bifida graduates from high school, pursues teaching degree

We thank everyone for participating and for helping us raise money to create more proud moments. Please join us in congratulating the winners!

15 COMMENTS

8/12/2016 05:58 - theresa R.

Has all the ultimate million second chance winners been contacted. I am sitting by my phone just want to know if everyone has been notified. Thanks for this info.NC Lottery
The website has been updated to show that the winners have been notified. Winners are first notified by e-mail and, if we don't hear back, we will call or send certified mail if needed. Here is a link to the Ultimate Millions winners page: http://bit.ly/2bpSSLI

8/12/2016 01:37 - james s.

How entries did you have in the million dollar drawingNC Lottery
There were 1,172,759 entries in the Ultimate Millions drawing.

8/12/2016 12:55 - Bridget R.

Never any winners from Rockingham county what's up that on lottery tickets or second chance drawings!!! Will never play the lottery again thanks for nothing!! Getting rich off poor people dreams!!!!NC Lottery
It's not easier or harder to win the lottery depending on where you live. But no matter what we encourage folks to play for fun knowing it takes luck to win a prize, big or small. We wish every ticket could be a winning ticket, but that's where the prize money comes from. Take care

8/12/2016 09:04 - NC Lottery

RE: ULTIMATE MILLIONS - If you go to the bottom of the drawings page and change the display setting in the pull-down box from ACTIVE to ALL, you will see the Ultimate Millions drawings are listed. Winners are typically notified by email within 48 hours of drawing & a winners name can only be posted when the claim process is complete. The site is updated as soon as possible with the status of notification, etc. Anytime you have a question you are welcome to ask it here and we'll do our best to answer, or you can reach customer service from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 877-962-7529

8/11/2016 10:32 - Anthony B.

Why did you remove the 8/10 Ultimate Millions Second Chance drawing from the winners tab at the bottom. You have all the other drawings listed and we are able to view winners or winner notified --to be announced. We are not asking you where to locate entries. We are asking where is the actual drawing? Are you avoiding the question. Don't expect to get a straight answer.

8/11/2016 10:11 - charles s.

Please post ultimate millions winner

8/10/2016 04:51 - Denver G.

So glad to see Angelo from Lincolnton HS win! My son's went to East & North Lincoln. There was & always be a friendly rivalry between the 4 Lincoln county schools. But we always support each other . "Keep Pounding" from Denver NC.!!!!

8/10/2016 11:34 - Danny B.

when will the next contest be I didnt know ab out itNC Lottery
The Proud Moments contest was part of our 10th Anniversary celebration. At this time, there aren't any plans in the works for something like this. But it's possible we'll do something in the future :)

8/10/2016 11:29 - Elma W.

Proud Proud Proud of everyone of you just reading what they did brings tears to my eyes thanks to them for sharing their caring hearts and to NC Lottery you pick some well deserving one's. Way go...

8/10/2016 05:00 - Alice F.

Statesville winner didn't receive more votes than at least one other Iredell County entry. Please explain your decision. ThanksNC Lottery
As outlined in the contest rules, the top 200 finalists – as determined by the number of votes received during the promotion period – were individually judged and scored based on reflection of the lottery's values: Honesty, integrity, respect, and trust. As well as how powerful the emotion of the entry was. Judging was completed by a third party, our advertising agency, who are experienced professionals with a strong understanding of our core values. The ten winners exemplified the power education can have on individuals, families and communities.

8/10/2016 02:46 - Mary H.

Congratulations to all that over came their struggles and those who contributed to others in need. You all deserve a great big HUG! Way to go!!!

8/09/2016 10:32 - lisa f.

God Bless all these wonderful winners & their families!??????

8/09/2016 05:34 - Phyllis N.

Congratulations, and many blessings to the winners and their families

8/09/2016 10:40 - William D.

Can you gives us an update on the top ten stores with the most sales, and by chance the stores with the most top jackpot prizes? ThanksNC Lottery
That's information that would have to be researched. Please e-mail playerinfo@lotterync.net with your specific request.

8/09/2016 08:23 - jim h.

It really gives us hope that there are a lot of wonderful people out there. people ready to give. Thanks NCEL & Lucky Zone

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Ten win $20,000 each in ‘Proud Moments’ contest

August 9, 2016 Posted by NC Lottery at 7:44 AM

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