30 Jones Middle School staff win $1M Powerball jackpot

Florence, Ky (WTVQ): 30 staff members with Jones Middle School took home the $1 million dollar Powerball jackpot. They’re one of the biggest groups in Kentucky to do it. They’ve been playing the same Powerball numbers since 2019 when they drew them randomly from a hat. Some of the winners speak about the big pay off.

Suzanne York is one of many in the group, “This time the message said something to the effect of check the numbers it might me more than $8 this time. Instead of telling us we all got to check the numbers and experience it on our own,” York said.

At Jones Middle School 30 educators, some retired have played the Powerball for more than 5 years. They call themselves the “Jones 30.”

Sharon Reynolds is the 7th grade vice principal, “I logged into the lottery, saw the numbers, and I’m looking, and I’m looking I said oh my gosh we matched all five numbers. What is that worth? And she got real quiet and she goes I think a million dollars.” Reynolds said.

Jennifer Hickey is the 8th grade Vice Principal,  “I was taking a nap, I woke up to six missed calls and 187 messages,” Hickey said.

Michelle Cravens is a counselor at the middle school, “every teacher deserves a $24,000 raise,” she said.
That’s how much money every member of the group took home.
“For this group of teachers to be recognized and heard is amazing,” Cravens said.
The winning ticket was stashed inside a math book on page 20 inside a birthday card. With the message  “Wishing you all the best on your special day,” said Cravens.

Regina Brownfield is a tech assistant, “she knew that if somebody was going to break into her house and steal the ticket they would go straight for the safe. But she knew no one would ever touch a math book,” said Brownfield.

They say as teachers they constantly put money into their classrooms without asking for anything in return. “Our job is 24/7. It’s not just the nine months that people have that misconception. Our job is 12 months a year. I think we would love to have all teachers, get a little gift like this,” said Reynolds.