Long Island, NY – A Long Island resident is celebrating a life-changing win after scoring a $1 million Powerball prize. Maria Messina, a local woman from Suffolk County, matched five numbers in the recent Powerball drawing, securing the second-tier prize and turning her dreams into reality.
The winning ticket was purchased at a local convenience store, and Messina only discovered her good fortune days after the draw. The unexpected windfall has left her in shock, but she’s already making plans for her future.
The Winning Moment
Messina, a longtime Long Island resident, is a casual lottery player who occasionally buys tickets for big jackpots. On the day of the draw, she picked up a Powerball ticket at Stop & Shop on Montauk Highway in Shirley, NY, not thinking much of it.
“I usually check my numbers a few days later,” Messina said. “When I finally scanned the ticket at the store, the machine said, ‘See clerk.’ I thought maybe I won a free ticket or something small.”
But when the cashier checked the ticket, their eyes widened. “They told me, ‘You just won a million dollars!’ I couldn’t believe it,” Messina recalled.
The winning numbers for the June 12 drawing were 12, 18, 27, 36, 41, with a Powerball of 9. While Messina missed the Powerball number, matching the first five earned her the game’s second-tier prize of $1 million.
Claiming the Prize
Messina visited the New York Lottery’s customer service center in Schenectady to claim her prize. After taxes, she took home a lump sum payment of $651,000.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” she admitted. “I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and it’ll all be a dream.”
When asked about her plans for the money, Messina said she wants to pay off debts, help her family, and possibly take a vacation. “I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, where my family is from. Maybe now I can make that trip happen.”
A Lucky Store
The Stop & Shop at 555 Montauk Highway in Shirley has become a hotspot for lottery luck. Store manager James Rivera said this isn’t the first big winner they’ve had.
“A few years ago, someone won $10,000 here, but this is our biggest winner yet,” Rivera said. “We’re thrilled for Maria and hope more customers get lucky too.”
As a bonus, the store will receive a $10,000 commission for selling the winning ticket.
Powerball’s Growing Jackpots
While Messina didn’t hit the Powerball jackpot, which often climbs into the hundreds of millions, her $1 million win is still life-changing. The current Powerball jackpot stands at $50 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Wednesday night.
New York Lottery officials encourage players to check their tickets carefully, as major prizes sometimes go unclaimed. “You never know—you could be sitting on a winning ticket and not even realize it,” said Yolanda Vega, a spokesperson for the New York Lottery.
What Experts Say About Sudden Wealth
Financial advisors often warn lottery winners to be cautious with sudden windfalls. Michael Carter, a wealth management expert, suggests winners take time to plan before spending.
“It’s easy to get carried away, but smart decisions now can secure your future,” Carter said. “Pay off debts, invest wisely, and consult a financial planner.”
Messina says she’s being careful with her money. “I don’t want to blow it all at once. This is a chance to make life easier for me and my family.”
Long Island’s Lottery Luck
Long Island has seen its fair share of lottery winners. In 2022, a Bay Shore man won $5 million on a scratch-off ticket, and earlier this year, a group of construction workers split a $10 million prize.
With Messina’s win, locals are feeling inspired. “Maybe I’ll buy a ticket today,” joked Tommy Russo, a regular at the Shirley Stop & Shop. “You never know when it’ll be your turn.”
Final Thoughts
Maria Messina’s $1 million Powerball win is a reminder that life can change in an instant. For now, she’s enjoying the moment and looking forward to a brighter future.
“I’m just so grateful,” she said. “This is a blessing I never expected.”
How to Play & Win
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Powerball tickets cost $2 per play.
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Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
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To win the jackpot, match 5 numbers + the Powerball.
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Second prize (match 5 numbers) wins $1 million (or more with Power Play).
Could you be the next big winner? Grab a ticket and dream big—just like Maria Messina did!