Duplin man wins $1 million scratch-off prize

PINK HILL – “Michael Cherry of Pink Hill has no more concerns about paying for his daughter’s college education after winning a $1 million scratch-off prize,” read a press release from the North Carolina Education Lottery Friday, announcing the lucky winner who bought the winning ticket at Quinn’s General Store on Highway 41 North, in Pink Hill.

“When she goes to college, she won’t have to worry about student aid or nothing,” Cherry said. “When she graduates, she will be debt-free.”

The lucky Duplin man shared he was in disbelief, according to the announcement.

“I was just lying in bed thinking, ‘I can’t believe I just won a million dollars,’” Cherry said. “It’s a blessing.”

Cherry had to decide whether to take his prize as an annuity of $50,000 over a 20-year period or a lump sum of $600,000.

Lottery officials said Cherry chose the lump sum and, after paying state and federal taxes the man took $429,014 in winnings. Cherry plans to take his family on a vacation to Jamaica and pay off his vehicles after he is done paying for his daughter’s college.

“I know everything is going to be fine now,” said Cherry, who plans to put the remaining balance in savings.

According to the NC Education Lottery announcement all five $10 million prizes remain to be claimed along with 16 out of 20 $1 million prizes and 18 out of 20 $100,000 prizes.

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted in December 2023.