2024 CW Butte View Madariage

Date: November 2024

School: Butte View Elementary

Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies

Teacher JacQuie Madariaga says "In 4th grade here at our elementary school, it is the first year the students are specifically taught Science with a curriculum as they need to master some things before taking the ISAT the next year. One of the hands-on activities I can provide is playing with circuits. There are circuits just for kids. They can build a circuit by following directions and then problem solve on why their circuit is working or not working. We specifically cover Energy and circuits in 4th grade and I would love for my classroom (I can share with the neighbor class) to play with circuits and learn more about them. These would be available for kids to play with all year round as well, so they can really grasp the complexity of energy and circuits."

Wish Amount: $2235

2024 North Glem Sndoval

Date: November 2024

School: North Gem Elementary

Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies

Teacher Alex Sandoval says "I I teach a unit on space and our atmosphere. This would provide the kids with a unique opportunity to build their own rocket and launch it. It correlates with our curriculum as we discuss space travel, build model solar systems, Learn about creating ecosystems on other planets such as mars. In addition, I am a STEM based teacher and this would allow me to bring more STEM into my classroom.

Wish Amount: $443.58

2024 CW Black Canyon Newby

Date: November 2024

School: Black Canyon Elementary

Wish Delivered: Class Trip

Teacher Misti Newby says "Beauty the Bald Eagle was shot, rescued, and fitted with a pioneering, 3D-printed prosthetic beak. She has been featured on Nat Geo WILD and in news stories worldwide. Janie Veltkamp travels with Beauty and several other rescued birds of prey, sharing their stories. I plan to use Classroom Wishlist funds to bring Janie and the Birds of the Pacific Northwest to our district. Grace is a remote and rural area in the southeast corner of Idaho, with a high population of students from low-income and Hispanic backgrounds. These students rarely travel beyond Pocatello and don’t have many opportunities to visit zoos or see exotic birds. I want to bring this unique experience to them.

Wish Amount: $1103

Idaho Lottery Announces Winners of Name That Scratch Game Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – What’s in name? For Gary Gaskill of Idaho Falls his winning entry into the Idaho Lottery’s Name that Scratch Game contest earned him $3,000 in Idaho Lottery Scratch tickets and his game name to become a new Idaho Lottery Scratch Game. His winning entry name was “Yeti to Party.”

The Idaho Lottery announced all three winners of their "Name That Scratch Game" contest, an engaging competition where participants submitted their creative ideas for new Scratch ticket game names. In addition to Gaskill, the other top winners who proposed fun and inventive game titles that captured the spirit of the Idaho Lottery were:

⦁ Jamie Jensen of Rathdrum who took second place with her clever game title “Cheddar Getter”, winning $2,000 in Scratch ticket prizes.
⦁ Jennifer Buseman of Middleton was the third-place winner with her out-of-this-world concept, “Cashtronaut”, securing $1,000 in Scratch ticket prizes.

The contest, which encouraged Idaho residents to think outside the box and come up with catchy names for potential new Scratch games from mid-September to mid-October, received over 14,000 thousand submissions, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of the Idaho Lottery’s dedicated players.

"We were thrilled with the number of submissions, the creativity, and the originality of the entries," said Sherie Moody-St. Clair. "The winning names reflect the fun and excitement that our Scratch games bring to players across the state. It was fun seeing people from all over the state coming together to share in the fun and become part of the Idaho Lottery family."

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ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

2024 CW Orofino Jenkins

Date: November 2024

School: Orofino Elementary

Wish Delivered: Classroom Furniture

Teacher Deidre Jenkins says "Flexible seating will give my students a comfortable choice to read and work in the room. I have a larger class this year and seating is limited during group rotations. During reading, several of my students work with the reading interventionist in our classroom and have to sit on the floor during this time. I also prefer to offer my students comfortable seating during "Read to Self" time."

Wish Amount: $650.00

2024 CW Riggins Elementary Merabelle

Date: November 2024

School: Riggins Elementary

Wish Delivered: Books for Classroom

Teacher Laura Merabelle says "Currently right now I have one copy of each book that students may use for reference after we listen to the daily read aloud. I would like to have a copy for each student so that they can follow along and see the words and hear the words as a fluent reader reads, which helps students build fluency. Studies show that reading aloud helps build literacy development, comprehension, vocabulary, attention and memory skills, problem solving, critical thinking and imagination."

Wish Amount: $949.60

2024 CW Idaho Fine Arts Davis

Date: November 2024

School: Idaho Fine Arts

Wish Delivered: Chairs and books

Teacher Janna Davis says " I work with students in grades 6-12, and trying to have enough books to satisfy all of those readers is a significant challenge. With the furniture and new books, I will be able to create comfortable reading areas to pull kids into the library. Growing up, the library was a safe space for me, and I want to make sure all students feel like they have a place to go where they belong. A sense of belonging fosters success because students who feel like they belong also feel confident enough to take risks and increase learning."

Wish Amount: $1702.42

2024 CW Sherman kelsom

Date: November 2024

School: Sherman  Elementary

Wish Delivered: 3D Printer and 3 D Scanner

Teacher Michelle Kelsom says "Often, students need to reverse engineer or replicate parts for projects, which is where the 3D scanner becomes essential. With the ability to scan real objects and integrate them into their designs, students can improve their engineering accuracy and develop a deeper understanding of how things work in the real world. Our upcoming STEM Showcase gives students the opportunity to display their engineering skills. Having access to both a 3D printer and scanner will elevate the quality of their projects, ensuring they are not just theoretical but fully realized, functional prototypes. This not only enhances their learning but also gives them confidence in their abilities as future engineers."

Wish Amount: $700

2024 CW River Valley Patchen

Date: November 2024

School: River Valley Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Table and Chairs

Teacher Chitlada Patchen says "This wishlist is for one folding table for a newly established classroom at River Valley Elementary School. This classroom will serve 35 multilingual learners throughout the day. Their ages range from kindergarten to fifth grade. These students are new to the United States. Many are without any formal school experience and illiterate in their own language with minimal English proficiency. The Newcomer classroom is to equip newcomer students with enough English to meet federal grade-level requirements. The goal is to help them move into the regular classroom with their native English-speaking peers as soon as possible. The folding table will serve as necessary furniture for students to write and work on during language activities."

Wish Amount: $706.80

Boise Christmas Show

Join us at the 2024 Boise Christmas Show December 6th - 8th at at Expo Idaho in Garden City! While you are there, buy one $20 Holiday Scratch Pack and SPIN THE WHEEL FOR PRIZES! Get all your holiday tickets for stockings, office gifts and more!

Friday: 11am-7pm

Saturday 11am-7pm

Sunday: 11am-4pm

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for Seniors, and FREE for kids 12 & under!

Get more info here: The Boise Christmas Show Produced by Spectra Productions

Canyon County Christmas Show

Join us at the 2024 Canyon County Christmas Show November 22^nd;- 24^th at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa! While you are there, buy one $20 Holiday Scratch Pack and SPIN THE WHEEL FOR PRIZES! Get all your holiday tickets for stockings, office gifts and more!

Friday: 11am-7pm

Saturday 11am-7pm

Sunday: 11am-4pm

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for Seniors, and FREE for kids 12 & under!

2024 CW Desert Sage Elementary

Date: November 2024

School: Desert Sage Elementary

Wish Delivered: 3D Printer

Teacher Rainbow Dye says "Last year we were able to bring in some STEM supplies and start a club. It was amazing to bring in something new and build excitement around Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We are also reviving our school garden and exploring the science of plant life cycles. We will be starting up our no-cost STEM after school club soon. I'd love to bring in new STEM elements and offer the student new exciting STEM resources. We will be having a school-wide STEM family night event Nov 14th. It would be great if the students could showcase their designs at the event. I hope the 3D printer will spark interest in STEM and inspire our students to explore STEM higher education and careers in the future."

Wish Amount: $1199.00

Connie Wins Again

Long time Lottery player and retired Gem County Treasurer, Connie Goins, has done it again. In late September, Connie won a $50,000 Powerball Double Play prize from the same set of numbers she has played for two decades.

Double Play on Powerball is a new feature that enters a player’s numbers into a second draw on Powerball Draw nights. For $1 extra per play, players win prizes on a second set of numbers drawn, up to $10 million. Connie’s winning ticket had the Double Play feature and matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball selected for the Double Play draw, which earned her $50,000.

This is Connie’s fourth significant win on Powerball since the late 1990s when she and her late husband Geno won $100,000. After Geno passed, Connie found his old play slips and began playing Powerball from those. Not long after, she won $200,000 on Powerball. Three years later, Connie won again, claiming a $1500 prize using the same sets of numbers.

During an interview with KIVI in Boise over the summer, Connie told the show’s producers she believed she was going to win Double Play, the new Powerball feature. Two months later, using the same numbers, Connie did indeed win again – on Double Play!

“People always ask me how I do it, how I win so often,” said Connie with a smile when she claimed her prize. “The answer is simple: I play. You have to play if you want to win. And I am really glad I started adding the Double Play to my tickets.”

According to Connie, she plays a five-line ticket with numbers that were all selected by her late husband. Line one is the line that won both the $100,00 and $200,000 prizes. Line two won the $1,500 prize. Line five was lucky for this Double Play win of $50,000.

“I just need lines three and four to win now, and the ticket will be complete!” laughed Connie as she claimed her winnings with her family in Boise.

Retired from her duties as the Gem County Treasurer, Connie plans to keep her winnings to help with retirement.

2024 CW New Plymouth Steers

Date: October 2024

School: New Plymouth Elementary

Wish Delivered: Classroom Snack Supplies

Teacher Felicity Steers says "Today I am asking for a refrigerator, microwave, keyboard, and mouse. The refrigerator and microwave will be used by all students and me, while the keyboard and mouse will be used just by me. I live in a small rural community where, unfortunately, not all students are able to come to school with what they need to be healthy and successful. Frequently, I have students complaining of headaches, hunger, or thirst and yet don't come to school with appropriate food or water bottles. I would love to get a few items to help promote healthy lifestyle choices in my classroom."

Wish Amount: $422.46

Idaho Lottery Celebrates Two-Time Winner Sandy Pickrel with $70,000 Big Spin Win

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – It’s been ten years to the month since Sandy Pickrel, Caldwell, first won the Idaho Lottery. But for Pickrel, it was worth the wait as she struck it lucky a second time! Before a gathering of friends, family, and curious onlookers at Boise Towne Square, Sandy spun the Idaho Lottery’s Big Spin wheel and claimed $70,000.

Sandy’s win began earlier in October when she decided to play the Big Spin while visiting her local Maverik store in Caldwell. “I hadn’t played Big Spin in a while, so I thought I’d give it a try again,” she explained. “This is really unbelievable.”

Today’s win marks Sandy's second big victory with the Idaho Lottery, making her one of the luckier players in the state. Her previous win was $100,000 on the game Idaho Bingo in October 2014.

Sandy does not have too many plans for her winnings yet, other than treating her family to some memorable experiences.

This is the third Big Spin prize in the fourth edition of the popular game from the Idaho Lottery. There are three top prizes in this edition remaining.

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ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch Games^TM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

Popular Idaho Lottery Raffle Game Returns Today with Two $1,000,000 Prizes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle is one of the most widely anticipated games from the Idaho Lottery every year. This marks the eighteenth year for the popular, annual holiday Lottery game that features two guaranteed top prizes of $1,000,000. Sales on the game began this morning at 4:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Just like last year, there are only 450,000 tickets at $10 each for this year’s Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

“Players should get their tickets early because this popular game does sell out fast,” said Andrew Arulanandam, Idaho Lottery Director. “The Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle has been making millionaires in Idaho every year since 2007. Last year we made two new millionaires, and this year will do so again.”

Last year’s version of the game sold out on the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 25th after just 36 days on the market. It was the fastest selling Raffle game ever offered by the Idaho Lottery.

Besides the TWO guaranteed top prizes of $1,000,000, there are over 17,800 additional prizes ranging from $15 up to $10,000. The Raffle features 15 daily, $1,000 winners drawn during the first 15 days of sales chosen at random from the previous day’s sales. The game also features eighteen $1,000 prizes for players who purchase one of the eighteen tickets sold once every 25000 tickets (tickets numbered 025000, 050000, etc.).

Players who win one of the eighteen 25000th tickets or one of the first fifteen days’ $1,000 prizes must claim their prize at the Idaho Lottery offices in Boise. Their ticket will also remain eligible to win additional prizes in the Raffle, including the $1,000,000 top prizes.

Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle tickets will remain on sale until December 29, 2024, at 11:59 pm Mountain Time or until ticket 450,000 is sold.

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ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

2024 CW East Canyon Elementary Faille

Date: October 2024

School: Edahow Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Classroom chairs and supplies

Teacher Amber Faille says "This year we are busting at the seams with 34 students in our 4th grade classrooms, and I have more students in my little classroom than desks and chairs that fit their body sizes! One thing we desperately need are chairs that fit 4th grade students. Our school is over 50 years old and was built without adequate storage so storage items would be really helpful! . Our classroom really needs things to engage students in rigorous learning. Books, clipboards, markers, pencils, folders, recognition items, etc. are all things that make a classroom more inviting and engaging for students."

Wish Amount: $3,140

2024 Canyon Springs Alternative High Jamtaas

Date: October 2024

School: Canyon Springs Alternative High School

Wish Delivered: Classroom radios and security supplies

Teacher Jamie Jamtaas says "Canyon Springs Alternative School offers a different educational environment for its students than a traditional high school. We cater to the needs of our students who benefit from the non-traditional approach to learning. Our school focuses on addressing specific needs, preferences, and/or challenges that the traditional high school does not fully accommodate. We do all of this while maintaining the safety of our staff and students and with very little budgeted to us annually"

Wish Amount: $4,010

BELIEVING IN WINNING

Long-time Idaho Lottery player and four-time top prize winner Aurelia Sproule has a simple philosophy for playing the Lottery: Believe in winning and you will.

She shared her philosophy when she claimed the first top prize in the new InstaPlay Game Deal Me In, a prize worth $421,359 from a ticket she purchased at the Base Camp River Run in Ketchum.

“I see people come in all the time to the store and buy a ticket, but they say, “I probably won’t win.” That’s not the way to play. You have to believe you will win, and then you will,” explained the four-time winner. “I keep playing and I believe I will win, and I do.”

About once every two years Aurelia visits the Lottery in Boise with a big winning ticket. She plays regularly at both Base Camp locations in Ketchum. She plans to save most of her winnings.

The Base Camp River Run location in Ketchum is quickly becoming one of the luckiest retailers in Idaho. In addition to selling her Deal Me In winner, the lucky store also sold the top winning ticket from the 2021 Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle. Aurelia’s other big winners have come from the Base Camp Warm Springs location in Ketchum.

2024 CW New Plymouth Middle Gustin

Date: October 2024

School: New Plymouth Middle School

Wish Delivered: Feminine products

School counselor David Gustin says "Last year at the end of year we implemented "Days for Girls" a program that specifically focuses on helping schools get feminine products in the school bathrooms. Research has shown that if feminine products are available at schools, girls' school attendance increases. I was given a generous donation last year when we implemented the program to help our school with supplying the girls with pads but I haven't found a consistent resource yet to be able to fund us for period products."

Wish Amount: $1,149

2024 CW Chief Tahgee Sowell

Date: October 2024

School: Edahow Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies

Teacher Lorinda Sowell says "These items will help my students to have materials available in the classroom. These are items that we use as a class on a daily basis. During the year as we run out of these items It is sometimes hard for parents to purchase more items for their students. Most of these items will be for future classroom use. It would be nice to have these items available for students to have and use as the year goes and having things available when needed makes things a lot easier for me as a teacher and also for my parents."

Wish Amount: $447.97

2024 CW Edahow Elementary Hobson

Date: October 2024

School: Edahow Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies

Teacher Samantha Hobson says "I am reaching out with an earnest plea for support to enhance the learning environment for my young students. As an educator deeply passionate about fostering a love for learning, I am requesting a grant to acquire essential materials that will significantly enrich our classroom experience and support our kindergarteners in their educational journey."

Wish Amount: $618.73

Mackay Man’s “Brain Blown” Winning $1,000,000

BOISE, Idaho – Alexander Higbee, Mackay, has a simple philosophy for life: live for the moment. On Monday, that moment found him in Boise claiming $1,000,000 from an Idaho Lottery Scratch ticket he purchased last week on his way home from work at Jack’s Travel Plaza in Arco.

“I stopped into Jack’s to buy a few lotto tickets, Powerball, Mega Millions, and thought, I’ve got some extra cash, so I picked up a couple of tickets,” explained Higbee on how he got his tickets. “I don’t play those big tickets that often, but I thought, why not, let’s go for it.”

One of the tickets he purchased was Millionaire Maker, a $50 scratch ticket.

“My $20 ticket didn’t win. I won $300 on my $30 ticket. I didn’t think if I won on my $50 ticket, it would surpass the $300 especially when I didn’t win in the bonus area on the ticket,” described Higbee on how he played the ticket. “Then I saw I matched the number 49 to a winning number - 49. THEN I saw the prize amount was $1,000,000.”

He stopped in the middle of his description, still in awe of the winning moment, and after a long pause offered, “Brain. Blown! Pwooff!” he exclaimed in disbelief as he stood holding his winning check. “Surreal moment.”

Higbee plans to pay off debts, invest in a new vehicle, and help family with his winnings. He still plans to continue working and playing the Lottery.

Jack’s Travel Plaza in Arco receives a bonus of $20,000 for selling the winning ticket.

The Idaho Lottery has paid more than $5.6 million in top prizes since July 1, 2024.

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ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY

The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

Alexander Higbee

Chemistry in Caldwell

The Idaho Lottery made a back-to-school Classroom Wishlist delivery at Tanya Gunter’s Caldwell High School Chemistry class. As an older school, critical science lab equipment is in disrepair or short supply.

With many students passionate about science, the classroom lab experience lacked the essential resources to fully engage them with hands-on, inquiry-based learning. That’s where the Idaho Lottery stepped in, providing a complete overhaul of the equipment and testing supplies necessary for a high school chemistry and biology lab. This included chemistry lab kits, calculators, hot plates, scales, a chemistry oven, digital thermometers and testing supplies.

“We will be able to investigate and explore real world science applications in a safe, state-of-the art learning lab setting,” said Tanya. “This will really make a difference in our student’s lives.”

After the presentation, as the team of Lottery personnel were leaving, one young student approached the group and offered very sincerely, “Thank you. Thank you for supporting people like me and everyone at my school.”

“By engaging with real-world problems, students will develop critical thinking skills, increase their interest in STEM fields and be better prepared for college and career opportunities,” added Tanya.

So far this Fiscal Year, the Idaho Lottery has returned $40,836 for school needs through Classroom Wishlist. If you know a teacher or a school in need, have them visit idaholottery.com/wishlist to apply.

Connie Goins-legg

CDA Winner Claims Final 35th Anniversary $35,000 Prize

Generally, good things happen on your birthday and for those who wait. Such was the story with Dawn Collins who knew she had a $35,000 winning 35th Anniversary Scratch ticket but had to wait over three weeks to visit Boise and claim her prize.

“We went to Piggies to get a newspaper, coffee, and scratch tickets one morning before my birthday,” said Dawn about buying her winning ticket. “I got the ticket, played it, and when I saw what looked like it had won $35,000, I just didn’t believe it. This can’t be!”

Dawn had her husband double-triple check the ticket. “I wanted to make sure that what I was seeing was real!” she exclaimed.

It was real. And then came the wait. Dawn’s driver’s license expired on her birthday, right around the time she bought the ticket. Needing a valid driver’s license to claim her prize, Dawn had to wait three weeks to renew the license with the Department of Motor Vehicles and have it mailed to her. Once that was taken care of, she made her way to Boise in mid-September to claim her prize.

While convinced her win was real for over three weeks, she still admitted to being nervous when she claimed her prize. “I usually only win $20, so this is a lot bigger! My palms are all sweaty and my hands are shaking!”

“We’re going to solve our car issues with the winnings,” she said when she received her winning check.”

Dawn’s winning ticket was sold at Piggie’s Deli Food Mart on Sherman in Coeur d’Alene.

With Dawn’s win, all the top prizes for all the Idaho Lottery’s 35th Anniversary games have been claimed.

2024 CW Kootenai Classical Academy Bartly-Kreyssler

Date: September 2024

School: Kootenai Classical Academy

Wish Delivered: Overhead Projector

Teacher Jessica Bartley-Kreyssler says "An overhead projector will allow students to see video to support their learning. The projector will allow students to share work complete tasks together and engage with their learning across all topics."

Wish Amount: $525

Lindsey Magill

Aurelia Sproule

Amber Shoemaker

2024 CW Caldwell High Gunter

Date: September 2024

School: Caldwell High School

Wish Delivered: Science Lab Supplies

Teacher Tanya Gunter says "These supplies will transform our science program, allowing students to actively participate in experiments and understand scientific concepts through practical application. By engaging with real-world problems, students will develop critical thinking skills, increase their interest in STEM fields, and be better prepared for college and career opportunities. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of our students. With these essential science supplies, we can provide a more engaging, effective, and inspiring education. Thank you for considering our request to enhance the science learning experience at Caldwell High School."

Wish Amount: $9,218.91

2024 CW Filer Intermediate Massie

Date: September 2024

School: Filer Intermediate School

Wish Delivered: Art supplies for calming corner

Teacher Hailey Massie says "I would like to create a calming corner within my classroom. As a child, I had severe anxiety due to my home life. I see myself in a few of my students. I want to be able to help them and provide a space that will allow them to work through the emotions they are feeling. Mental health plays such a huge role in the lives of our youth. I would like to support my students to the best of my ability. This calming corner and the items listed above will allow my students to thrive. They will understand that we all have emotions to work through, and it's okay if you need help learning to work through them."

Wish Amount: $892.20

2024 CW Glenns Fairy Chesser

Date: September 2024

School: Glenns Ferry School District

Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies

Teacher Lynette Chesser says "I have been teaching first grade for 14 years. The past 4 years I have been using Whole Brain Teaching strategies in the classroom. This year I would like to create a more engaged classroom by implementing more strategies from Whole Brain Teaching. Whole Brain Teaching is an instructional approach that aims to keep students engaged throughout lessons by using game-like challenges. Some strategies will be a whole group while others will be individual. The 30 second dance party-button will be used to celebrate individual student's improvement. Students will have a goal they are working to achieve such as, completing assignments without visiting with peers, cleaning up without being asked, reading more words per minute, completing assignments that they previously struggled with, Etc. The finger hand tally counter will be used in a variety of ways as well, students can track their own behaviors, or the teacher could count the number of times a desired behavior occurs to track progress in reducing a behavior. The benefit is the teacher can do it without drawing attention to the behavior. The scoreboard will be used to help tally whole class expectations. This will help promote healthy competition as well as enhancing a positive classroom environment. I'm excited to implement more WBT strategies this year."

Wish Amount: $79.96

2024 CW Kimberly Middle Landers

Date: September 2024

School: Kimberly Middle School

Wish Delivered: School Desks

Teacher Christine Landers says "The student tables in my classroom are very old and falling apart. They are mismatched and difficult to arrange without a leg coming loose. The tables make it difficult for my growing 6th graders to collaborate in groups of more than two students. Our small school district does not have funds in the budget to replace the worn-out tables, so we have been trying to use them carefully and make do. I am requesting funds to purchase the Shapes School Desks which are ergonomically designed and can easily be arranged in a variety of ways for small to large groups as well as individual workstations. These desks would provide fun, flexible seating and foster greater student engagement by increasing focus and participation in classroom activities."

Wish Amount: $3,527.85

Roberta Frazier

Nancy Sieger

Dawn Collins

Gricelda Burt

Jennifer Burleson

Idaho Falls Winner Will Become Debt Free

Jonny Werner went from being a $50,000 winner to a quarter-millionaire in an instant.

When Werner arrived at the Idaho Lottery office in Boise in late August, he believed he had won $50,000 on his Powerball ticket. A regular player, Werner says he likes to play Powerball when he can and typically lets the terminal pick his numbers.

The Saturday evening before his arrival in Boise, he was in the Maverik on Woodruff in Idaho Falls picking up a few more tickets. He asked the clerk to check his previous tickets for any winners. The clerk did, then returned one of the tickets telling him, “I can’t check this one, you’ll have to take it to Boise.”

After anxiously awaiting his trip, when the moment came, he strolled into the Idaho Lottery lobby confident he had won $50,000. When Idaho Lottery Customer Service scanned his ticket, they informed him that he had not won $50,000. He actually had won $250,000.

“I forgot about the automatic multiplier, PowerPlay,” he said both surprised and excited at the extra $200,000 he had just won in an instant.

PowerPlay is a multiplier on all Idaho Lottery Powerball tickets that multiplies non-jackpot winning prizes up to 10 times, depending on the number selected for the draw. For Werner, the number from the winning draw was 5, making his $50,000 winner a $250,000 winner.

Werner, a long-time cabinet installer of 38 years, plans to keep working but did say he was going to pay off his bills and be “debt free!”

“I mean, I’m going to pay off my house, my car and be able to afford a nice vacation,” exclaimed Werner.

2024 CW Peregrine Clements

Date: September 2024

School: Peregrine Elementary

Wish Delivered: Dramatic Play Center Supplies

Teacher Jennifer Clements says "My special education preschool students learn best through play. Beefing up our dramatic play center will be great for my students! Most important is the language component: many of my students are nonverbal and need repeated opportunities to learn and practice new words. The dramatic play materials will give them these chances and allow them to learn new words specific to situations they will encounter in their real lives. The more items we have that match items they see outside of school, the easier it will be for them to make connections, use the items, and use nouns, verbs, and adjectives when talking about them (Apple! Red apple! Cut red apple!)"

Wish Amount: $2,050.96

2024 CW Centennial High Axtell

Date: September 2024

School: Centennial High 

Wish Delivered: Math Class Supplies

Teacher Michelle Axtell says "As a first year teacher these items would be greatly appreciated. I would love to have some flexible seating options for my students. The books would be a great start to my classroom library. The STEM items would be great for the students to engage, explore, and use their creativity. These items will help me get my classroom set up and ready for the new school year. I am really looking forward to the start of my career as an elementary school teacher. My students would really benefit from the items on my Wishlist."

Wish Amount: $1,262.55

Susan Minges

Valley View Elementary in Bonners Ferry Receives STEM Supplies

The Idaho Lottery granted two Valley View Elementary third-grade teachers with their wish for STEM activities and supplies.

The two teachers — Shelly Hoisington and Kelsey Rice — decided to apply for the Classroom Wishlist award after attending a summer STEM conference sponsored by Boise State University.

"The conference provided a lot of information and hands-on learning opportunities," Hoisington said. "We learned a multitude of strategies designed to integrate STEM into various subject areas and came home ready to implement them."

While they were excited to turn their new teaching ideas and skills into reality for their students, they lacked the necessary resources to do so. They applied for and received a Classroom Wishlist award for $3,435 for STEM carts that include games, puzzles, engineering kits, and building materials.

Although the award was written with third graders in mind, Hoisington said the items and materials are available to all teachers at the school. The STEM activity items and materials are kept on two rolling carts and can easily be moved from classroom to classroom.

"Bringing STEM into the classroom will encourage students to think, create, and explore," she added. "Hands-on experiences offered to students allow them to think outside of the box and build a foundation of strong critical thinking skills. The activities provided will also promote collaboration and communication among peers as they work together to solve problems."

2024 LYS Adams Elementary Vest

September 2024
Adams Elementary,
Boise
Donated By: Dennis Vest

Craig Jenne

Lynda Fengler

2024 CW Rigby Middle Wagoner

Date: August 2024

School: Peregrine Elementary

Wish Delivered: Dramatic Play Center Supplies

This wishlist is assisting teacher Whitney Wagoner in creating a better learning space for their extended resource classroom at Rigby Middle school. Students in the classroom range from moderate to severe disabilities including cognitive impairment, and receive extra help behaviorally, academically and social emotionally. The wishlists includes learning resources, supplies for arts and crafts, and furniture to allow students to feel more comfortable in their learning environment.

Wish Amount: $1,618.85

Emma White wins $50,000 for college

After graduating high school in Idaho Falls a year ago, Emma White made the move to Boise and attended Boise State to study pre-veterinarian medicine.

A year after starting college at BSU, she found herself wanting to take a semester off, work just one job, and save money for when she returns to the classroom.

Just a few days shy of her 19th birthday, Emma was visiting home and bought at a $5 Redline Cashword Scratch ticket from the KJs on Broadway in Idaho Falls.

“I can’t believe I won. This really helps. At one point last year, I was going to school full-time and working three different jobs to help pay my expenses,” described Emma. “I’m going to put the money aside and save as much as I can for when I return to school.”

Emma promised not to use her winnings on more Scratch tickets, saying she was only planning on playing her dad’s $5, but the next game she’s hoping to win? The Big Spin!

Mary Lien

35th Anniversary 2nd Chance Winner Ron Black

After winning the final 2nd chance draw from the Idaho Lottery’s 35th Anniversary Games, Ron Black, from Boise, decided that perhaps it was time to retire his well-worn, VIP Club card. Ron was the final winner of the monthly draws, claiming $52,712 from a jackpot that started at $3,000 on July 1 and grew until the end of the month.

Ron is a long-time Idaho Lottery VIP Club player. He regularly participates in the Lottery’s Sweepstakes and 2nd Chance drawings.

“I wasn’t interested in being one of the Cake Finalists,” said Ron referring to the five finalists at the Lottery’s 35th Anniversary Celebration at The Village in Meridian in July. “I had been saving my tickets for the final month and entered them all at once.”

The strategy paid off as he became the sixth 2nd Chance jackpot winner for the 35th Anniversary games. When he arrived at the Lottery Office, Ron was equally excited to replace his VIP Club card as he was to claim his cash prize.

“It has become difficult to scan at the stores,” said Ron as Lottery Customer Service produced a new VIP Club card for him while he was there. Still, Ron planned to keep the old card. “I’m going to take it home and put it with the big check as a little memento.”

Ron is hoping the prize money will provide a bit of cushion for him and will be able to help his three daughters.

With the 35th Anniversary Games winding down, the next game Ron is looking forward to is playing The Big Spin!

Tate Singer

Jason Ingram

Summer Kremer

Emma White

Greg Fields

2024 CW Star Elementary Rodriguez

Date: August 2024

School: Star Elementary

Wish Delivered: Flexible Seating & STEM Supplies

Teacher Rebecca Rodriguez says "As a first year teacher these items would be greatly appreciated. I would love to have some flexible seating options for my students. The books would be a great start to my classroom library. The STEM items would be great for the students to engage, explore, and use their creativity. These items will help me get my classroom set up and ready for the new school year. I am really looking forward to the start of my career as an elementary school teacher. My students would really benefit from the items on my Wishlist."

Wish Amount: $1550.00

2024 CW New Plymouth Elementary Cherry

Date: August 2024

School: New Plymouth Elementary

Wish Delivered: Flexible Seating

Teacher Tiffany Cherry says "In today's dynamic educational landscape, it is increasingly recognized that traditional classroom setups may not fully meet the diverse needs of students. Flexible seating offers a solution by providing a variety of seating options that can accommodate different learning styles, promote student engagement, and foster a more conducive learning environment. This grant would help to implement flexible seating in our classroom, aiming to enhance the educational experience and support the development of our students."

Wish Amount: $903.95

35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT THE VILLAGE

On a hot Friday afternoon in July, the Idaho Lottery marked its 35th Anniversary at The Village in Meridian. The celebration came with all the accoutrements one might expect like balloons, cakes, presents, prizes, and live music from local favorite, The Diamond Empire Band!

Center stage was the second chance Cake Final, where five finalists, who entered their non-winning 35th Anniversary Scratch tickets on the Lottery’s VIP Club, were selected to dive into cakes searching for a small tube with their prize inside. Every finalist was assured of winning at least $1,000. After frantically tearing through their cakes and decimating their four tier masterpieces, Evan Crawford from Nampa was the last to find his prize but ended up the biggest winner. He claimed $10,000 for his efforts!

Evan plans to use his winnings to pay off two car loans and then play a few more Scratch tickets.

There was a cake decorating contest won by Carina Lopez who made her 35th Anniversary-themed cake in five minutes to claim a $100 gift card from Fred Meyer. Cakes for the contest were donated by Fred Meyer.

And Jeremy Welden won the Scratch-off contest with the slimmest of margins to claim $100 in 35th Anniversary Scratch tickets.

Hundreds of people braved the extreme heat to participate, buying tickets at the Lottery booth and catching the Idaho Lottery deliver a record $84 million to the People of Idaho and Governor Brad Little.

Here’s to the first 35 years and to the next 35 years ahead!

2024 CW Valley View Elementary Hoisington

Date: July 2024

School: Valley View Elementary

Wish Delivered: STEM Supplies

Teacher Shelly Hoisington says "Let STEM roll into our classrooms! STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) carts in classrooms provide teachers with unique opportunities to integrate STEM activities throughout the curriculum and encourage students to think, create, and explore. As a Title I school most of our students have limited resources outside the classroom that promote STEM education. Access to STEM carts will offer our students a multitude of engaging and educational experiences. The games, puzzles, engineering kits, and building materials included in each cart will promote hands-on learning and enhance foundational skills in all areas of STEM education. Presented with these activities students will develop critical thinking skills, creativity, problem solving techniques, and encourage positive communication and collaboration among peers. Additionally, STEM carts will allow for differentiated instruction assisting teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners. Having easy access to portable STEM carts will provide high quality STEM education, enrich all areas of the curriculum and better prepare our students for future success in all areas of academics."

Wish Amount: $3,435.52

2024 CW Elevate Academy Metcalf

Date: July 2024

School: Elevate Academy

Wish Delivered: Mathematics Equipment & Classroom Supplies

Teacher Marino Metcalf says "A class set of calculators will enable students to work through their math equations without having to worry about affording a calculator or having to use their chromebook/phone to complete a homework assignment. Math supplies like compasses, protractors, and rulers ensure we can work through geometry and measurement examples together. Moreover, having basic classroom supplies like whiteboard markers, notebooks, binders, and tabletop organizers allows students to stay organized and focused. An orderly workspace and system for materials contributes to academic success. Students can take pride in maintaining their supplies and being prepared for class each day."

Wish Amount: $1,508.55

Big Spin Silver Winners

Big Spin Winner Surprises Son with Trip of a Lifetime

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – What started as a normal trip to Boise Towne Square for Dan Hihath and his son turned into the surprise of a lifetime. Hihath was one of two Idaho Lottery Big Spin winners who visited Boise Towne Square on Monday for a chance to win up to $125,000.

Hihath arrived at today’s event with his son and nonchalantly asked if it would be alright if he could spin the wheel. His son was shocked his dad had asked and then was even more stunned when the officials from the Lottery said, “Sure, why not!”

Unbeknownst to Hihath’s son, his dad’s winning ticket had been confirmed by Idaho Lottery Security over two weeks ago when the surprise outing was planned to coincide with northern Idaho resident Michael Hankins’ Big Spin event.

Shortly after 12 pm, with his son watching, Hihath got his Big Spin chance and won $70,000. He has some special plans with his winnings for his very surprised son.

“I didn’t tell him before the event I had actually won the Spin. It was a complete surprise,” explained Hihath, as he thanked Lottery officials for helping to spring the surprise. “My son is a local youth soccer player. He has been selected to participate in a weeklong training academy with Real Madrid in Spain. With the winnings, he’ll be able to go now in March.”

Hihath took his Big Spin after watching long-time northern Idaho resident Michael Hankins take his turn and win $60,000. “To be honest, I was really rooting for Dan to win!” said Haskins of Hihath’s spin.

These wins for Hankins and Hihath were the first two from the fourth edition of the popular game. There are four top prize tickets remaining in this edition of the game, each with the opportunity to visit Boise Towne Square and spin the big wheel for a chance to win up to $125,000.

###

ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

2024 CW Burley Jr High Smith

Date: July 2024

School: Burley Jr High School

Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies

Teacher Kayla Smith says "This upcoming school year, I am starting a new position and will be building my classroom from scratch. There are many items on my list that I have utilized in the past and wish to incorporate in hopes of providing my new students with similar learning experiences that my former students were able to receive. I strive to create a positive classroom culture that is conducive to learning and would appreciate any help with making that possible!"

Wish Amount: $515

2024 CW Lewis & Clark Cummis

Date: July 2024

School: Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Organization and Calming Classroom Supplies

Teacher Cassandra Cummins says "Each year the number of students in my classroom who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increases. Last year alone I had two students on the spectrum 4 diagnosed with ADHD and a couple who are getting tested. That means that a third of my class last year had special needs. As you can imagine many of my students struggle with traditional seating. As a result, the bouncy bands and wobble stools will provide sensory relief and allow my students to wiggle while they work and stay on task longer. Staying on task and focused will increase learning."

Wish Amount: $1,491.91

Kimberly Garcia

2024 CW Kershaw Intermediate Schwendiman

Date: July 2024

School: Kershaw Intermediate School

Wish Delivered: Calming Classroom Center Supplies

Teacher Jackie Schwendiman says "These items will help my classroom because I want to use these items to increase engagement, create a calming corner, and make students feel valued and seen. I am just starting my 2nd year of teaching, but I am starting over in a brand-new grade. I am starting over from scratch, and I want to make this year a great one for my students. These items will be used to encourage hands on and concrete learning of math skills and reading skills. I want them to explore learning and not just memorizing how the steps go. These items help me create that learning environment for my students in a new and exciting way. They will allow students to communicate, and problem solve together as a class"

Wish Amount: $921.93

2024 CW Sunnyside Elementary Jones

Date: July 2024

School: Sunnyside Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Storage bins and boxes

Teacher Nichole Jones says "I have taught kindergarten at Sunnyside for 10 years and have all of my books, file folder games, and logic puzzle games in random bins and boxes I have found up for grabs in the hallway. I haven't been able to spend that much of my own money to organize myself and it is a hodgepodge collection of storage containers that are being held together with sheer determination. Unfortunately, many times my bins don't actually fit the objects that are placed inside and even worse, they don't fit the shelves on which they are placed. Because, for the first time in years, I am moving from one room to another, it is my wish to be able to organize my supplies in a way that makes it easy for the children to access, put away, and feel ownership of. New organizational containers would make access to these items much easier and more manageable."

Wish Amount: $282.44

2024 CW Adams Elementary Sutton

Date: July 2024

School: Adams Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Wiggle stools, reptile tank, and rug

Teacher Lisa Sutton says "I am writing today on behalf of myself and my first grade students. We are looking for financial assistance in improving our classroom environment in three ways. First, by helping us purchase 17 Storex Wiggle Stools. Second, by helping us purchase a home for our classroom pet, Sheldon, a box turtle who would really like to come to school. Third, a classroom rug for the additional students joining our class this fall...I purchased 3 Storex Wiggle Stools to see if this type of seating option would help my most active kiddos be able to focus while doing their work. I was amazed at the results. Many of my students who had previously struggled with their school work were able to focus by being given the option to move while studying...about a year and a half ago our class was given a very cute box turtle named Sheldon. Sheldon has been desperate to come to school. I know my students would love having him as a classroom pet particularly because Sheldon would be a hands-on way of interacting with our writing and science curriculum...our classroom we have a gathering spot. We currently can fit 16-18 students comfortably in this spot. Our school will be losing one of our first grade teachers next year. The position will not be replaced which means my class will be welcoming more students than ever before this fall. Our gathering spot is central to our classroom environment. I would like everyone to have a comfortable place of their own."

Wish Amount: $1,350

Commission Meeting Minutes March 7, 2024

Commission Meeting Minutes June 28, 2024

2024 CW Mountain View Elementary Evans

Date: July 2024

School: Mountain View Elementary

Wish Delivered: Classroom Centers Supplies

Teacher Stacy Evans says "This is my 1st year teaching and I do not have much for my room. These items would allow for me to have centers in my room."

Wish Amount: $714.89

Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024

2024 CW Syringa Elementary Bayliss

Date: July 2024

School: Syringa Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Alternate seating, cubbies, table, and teaching tools

Teacher Misty Bayliss says "This year has been quite the adventure. I have had the privilege of having the largest class in our school. This is something that is becoming the norm. Starting next year, our classrooms will only grow larger as we are being reduced from 3 teachers per grade level to two teachers. It is quite difficult to accommodate space for 28 learners. I am hoping to create more space and a more fluid learning environment by eliminating desks and bringing in tables where we can also use flexible seating. Not only is our classroom size increasing, but we are also seeing an increase with kiddos who struggle staying focused. I am hoping to revamp my classroom to provide a refreshed, engaging, and comfortable environment where my students will thrive in their learning."

Wish Amount: $2,192.13

2024 CW Washington, Green Acres, and Ellis Elementary Schools Irick

Date: July 2024

School: Washington, Green Acres, and Ellis Elementary Schools

Wish Delivered: 14 xylophones

Teacher Connie Irick says "I work at five elementary schools and many of the Orff xylophones at three of those schools are old, damaged, and play out of tune or not very well at all unless we use a really hard mallet! This makes it difficult for students to play correctly or get a decent sound out of the instruments. The xylophone lessons are one of my students favorite lessons so I would like to update/replace some of the really old instruments that do not play well and add a couple of extra instruments so that each school will have 6-7 good instruments. Currently I do not have the same number of instruments at each school and they are too large to haul around. These instruments would be distributed between three of my schools and will benefit over 700 students."

Wish Amount: $6,233.27

Idaho Lottery Celebrates 35 Years with Record Dividend to People of Idaho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – During a community celebration at The Village in Meridian, the Idaho Lottery commemorated their record-breaking 35th Anniversary by returning the single largest dividend in their history to the people of Idaho. The Idaho Lottery Commission presented Governor Brad Little with an $84,000,000 dividend check, a 2.4% increase over last year’s dividend.

“In 1988, Idahoans voted at the ballot box and approved establishing a state lottery to benefit public education,” Governor Brad Little said. “The Lottery has been a success for players, and it has created economic opportunity for Idaho businesses. Most importantly, the Lottery team has contributed nearly $1.3 billion for the benefit of Idaho public schools and buildings.”

Historically, Idaho Lottery dividends have been used by school districts for building maintenance, repairs, and operational projects. A change in statute during the 2024 Legislative session changes how Lottery dividends are utilized by the State’s school districts.

“Idahoans who play the fun and entertaining games from the Idaho Lottery help build communities in Idaho. Today we are in the West Ada School District where last year’s dividends are being used by local builders and tradesmen to repair roofs, replace HVAC systems, and make school facilities more accessible,” said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. “Today’s Idaho Lottery dividends will benefit future public school district facilities and provide property tax relief by paying down voter-approved bonds and levies.”

Governor Little and Idaho Lottery Commission Chairman, Craig Corbett, awarded the largest single check ever from the Idaho Lottery to support public education in the Gem State. On behalf of Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, the Department of Education’s Chief Financial Officer, Gideon Tolman, accepted a check for $52,500,000.

“The 35th anniversary of the Idaho Lottery is the perfect time to celebrate all the good it has done for Idaho’s public schools,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield. “For years, the lottery has helped support K-12 education and once again, on behalf of Idaho schools, I want to thank Idahoans for these additional resources that will continue to benefit public school operations in our state.”

Dale Reynolds, Chairman of the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council, accepted a check for $31,500,000 on behalf of the State’s Permanent Building Fund. Permanent Building Fund dollars support maintenance and capital projects for State-owned facilities and Idaho’s public college and university buildings.

"Over the past 35 years, the Lottery has proven its resourcefulness and partnership by contributing well over half-a-billion dollars for Idaho’s state-owned facilities,” said Reynolds. “Lottery revenue each year enables us to preserve our historical facilities, provide safe work environments for the Gem State’s employees, and improve the quality of Idaho’s collegiate campuses.”

This year’s dividend comes after Idaho Lottery sales exceeded the $400 million threshold for the second consecutive year.

“This is all made possible with funds from the Idaho Lottery, not tax dollars,” added Anderson.

In addition to the dividend record, the Idaho Lottery also awarded a record amount to their network of over 1,200 brick and mortar retail locations who earned $24.7 million in commissions.

###

ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.8 billion in products, awarded more than $3.7 billion in prizes to players, returned $342 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.273 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

Commission Meeting Minutes July 19, 2024

Nainakala Lamichhane

2024 CW Homedale Middle Morin

Date: July 2024

School: Homedale Middle School

Wish Delivered: Feminine products

Teacher Kimberly Morin says "We are a Title-1 school. Our poverty population is very high. I have girls coming to me all the time asking for feminine products. I was blessed to be able to participate in a grant that gave me products for six months. I was able to keep the girls bathrooms stocked and found that by them having these products available in the bathrooms they were missing less class time and they were at school more often. I had a few tell me that they miss because it was a bad period day. Knowing they can walk into the bathroom at any time and know there is something there helps them feel secure."

Wish Amount: $66.00

Retirement, Here I Come

Anyone who says winning $445,000 is not life changing has not met Donnie Shove from Twin Lakes in northern Idaho. Winning the Lottery for the second time was not only exciting, but after his big win he decided to retire.

On an early summer night in late June, Donnie checked his 5 Star Draw tickets using the Idaho Lottery’s app. Shocked by what he saw, he took his ticket to a store in Rathdrum to verify it was indeed the jackpot winner. It was. He then went to work.

“I’ve reached an age in life where you start thinking more and more about retiring,” said Donnie with a confident smile. "During my shift, I was asked to do some very menial work. It didn’t sit well with me. Knowing I’d just won a big jackpot, I decided not to do the work. I went straight to HR and announced I was retiring. Effective today.”

The next day, Donnie made the drive from north Idaho to Boise in his early 2000s red Mustang convertible with his dog and companion Kashew. In 1999, Donnie won a Mustang from the Idaho Lottery. While not the same car, the “newer” Mustang brought about a sense of nostalgia – only with a much bigger win.

On a Friday, he collected his prize-winning check for $445,000 in Boise then rode off in the Mustang with Kashew toward retirement. Well earned.

Donnie’s winning ticket was from the Twin Lakes Market in Rathdrum.

2024 CW Weiser High School Maloney

Date: July 2024

School: Weiser High School

Wish Delivered: Feminine products

Teacher Katie Maloney says "We are a high poverty area and so many of our girls do not have the availability to purchase period products AND often girls are caught off guard and don't have supplies with them. The "Days for Girls" got us started with the boxes and they have been very respectfully used over the past couple of months and we would like to keep the program going."

Wish Amount: $100.00

2024 CW St Maries High School Geldreich

Date: July 2024

School: St. Maries High School

Wish Delivered: Books, storage, and new desk

Teacher Alyssa Geldreich says "Our school has no library and hardly funds the books for our English program. We are severely lacking in funding and the students are the ones suffering. All of our books and sources are almost completely gone and what we do have in the school is funded by the other English teachers. At the moment I have none of the above books which are all apart of our curriculum for the school. I have had to pay out of pocket for audiobooks and the students struggle with these. They have a hard time making connections without any physical books."

Wish Amount: $5,641.23

Stacy Ripley

Sherry Bockelman

Troy Pulley

Rosa Zamora

Cheryl McCallister

Victoria Lee

2024 LYS Sherman Elementary Wisner

July 2024
Sherman Elementary,
Nampa
Donated By: Chris Wisner

Wendy Eaton

Aref Khastar

$445,000 Winning 5 Star Draw Ticket Sold in Kootenai County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – The lucky streak in north Idaho continues. Players in Kootenai County are encouraged to check their tickets for the Idaho Lottery game 5 Star Draw.

The Idaho Lottery has confirmed there was a $445,000 winning 5 Star Draw ticket sold for last night’s draw at a retail location in Kootenai County. The winning 5 Star Draw numbers for the draw were 14, 20, 27, 38, and 42. The winning 5 Star Draw ticket matched all five numbers.

"Idaho, especially north Idaho, continues to be a lucky place for players to win big prizes," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "We are encouraging everyone who played 5 Star Draw for last night’s draw to check their tickets carefully for winners."

5 Star Draw is a game sold only in Idaho. Jackpots begin at $250,000 and grow with each draw until they are won. Tickets are $5 each and the game has draws twice weekly, on Tuesday and Friday nights.

Last month, a winning $2 million Powerball ticket was sold at Arnie’s Payless Gas on Highway 200 in the town of Kootenai in Bonner County.

The Idaho Lottery encourages everyone to sign their winning tickets before presenting them for payment. Last night’s winner has 180 days to claim their prize from Idaho Lottery headquarters in Boise.

###

ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY

The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.4 billion in products, awarded more than $3.1 billion in prizes to players, returned $317 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.189 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

Jazlyn Martinez

Special Delivery - Pocatello Elementary School Gets Early Summer Classroom Wishlist

On a blustery, rainy, spring afternoon, the Idaho Lottery made a special Classroom Wishlist delivery visit to 1st Grade Teacher Kristi Dunahoo at Claude Wilcox Elementary school in west Pocatello.

Wilcox Elementary is a large school, with over 500 students and is recognized as a low income, Title I facility. Resources are scarce and sharing can only go so far. That’s why she asked for, and received an Epson Ecotank 2850 color printer for her classroom, 40 wireless Bluetooth headphones, and 40 wireless mice for her students from the Idaho Lottery’s Classroom Wishlist program.

“We don’t have a color copier at our school and the lines to wait to use the printer/copier we do have are frequently long. We are also limited on the number of copies we may use, so I spend hundreds of dollars each year of my own money on supplies to provide engaging learning opportunities for my learners,” explained Kristi on her classroom request.

"My printer recently quit working, so I haven’t been able to print the things I need to for my students unless I go to the copy store. The color printer would provide me with an in-room printer where I can quickly print/scan things needed for my learners,” said Kristi.

She further explained students, especially younger students, really engage more with curriculum and learning opportunities when it’s in color.

“Color representation really helps bring things to life for these young learners,” she added. “With the printer, I would also be able to quickly scan and project documents or teaching material from my computer for my learners to visualize, while also minimizing loss of time by waiting to use the shared printer for our school.”

“In today’s world of education, technology plays a very important role for learners. Our state assessments are done on Chromebooks. Additionally, we use technology in daily activities where individual headphones and computer mice are required. It has been a struggle for me to provide my students with these necessary tools,” she further told the Lottery.

Ultimately, Kristi hopes the new equipment from the Lottery will improve the learning experience and benefit her students when it comes time to take state assessments.

Time is Running Out to Claim $10,000 Winning Raffle Ticket Sold in Nampa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – Time is quickly running out for the holder of an unclaimed $10,000 winning Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle ticket sold last fall. The winning ticket was sold from an Idaho Lottery retail location in Nampa. The winning ticket number is 079535.

"Time is of the essence for the holder of the ticket to come forward and claim their $10,000 prize," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "Players have 180 days to claim their prize after the draw occurs. That day is Monday, June 24, 2024. If no one has brought the ticket to Idaho Lottery offices in Boise for validation by 5:30 PM Mountain Time, the ticket will expire, and we will be unable to pay the claim."

This $10,000 winning ticket has generated little interest or inquiries from players.

"We remind our players frequently to check their tickets routinely for winners. Too many times we've seen players think they did not have a winning ticket because they did not win the top prize,” added Anderson. "This game had over 17,000 other prizes. In this case, this ticket is worth $10,000."

In addition to the $10,000 prize, there are four unclaimed daily $1,000 prizes from the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle game that will expire on Monday, as well. Those winning tickets are:

052505
139317
152316
216890

If all the prizes go unclaimed, the winning amounts will ultimately benefit the Idaho Lottery's beneficiaries, the public schools and permanent buildings of Idaho.

###

ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.4 billion in products, awarded more than $3.1 billion in prizes to players, returned $317 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.189 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

Idaho Lottery and State Liquor Division Director Jeff Anderson Set to Retire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho – The longest serving Lottery Director in Idaho history has announced his retirement after 17 ½ years of service to the people of the Gem State. Jeff Anderson, the State of Idaho’s Director for both the Idaho Lottery and the Idaho State Liquor Division will retire on July 26, 2024, one week after the Idaho Lottery commemorates its 35th Anniversary.

“I have had the honor and privilege to be given the trust and stewardship of two outstanding Idaho agencies from two exceptional Governors,” said Anderson. “Both agencies require leadership that’s in alignment with the sensibility of Idaho’s citizens. I am proud that we have always earned the public’s trust with high integrity while responsibly delivering nearly $2.2 billion in financial benefits for the people of Idaho.”

Anderson was appointed Director of the Idaho Lottery in January 2007 by Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter. In April 2010, Governor Otter appointed him as Liquor Division Director. In January of 2019, Governor Little appointed Anderson to serve the citizens in the same two roles.

Since 2007, under Anderson’s leadership, the Idaho Lottery has returned $938 million to support public education and permanent facilities. This includes responsibly setting new dividend records fourteen times. In 2014, the Idaho Lottery was recognized by lottery industry associations, Public Gaming Research Institute and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, as the highest performing jurisdiction in the United States.

In April 2010, Governor Otter temporarily appointed Anderson to be Director of the Idaho State Liquor Division. This “temporary” assignment is one Anderson has held for over fourteen years. During that time, the Liquor Division has delivered record transfers thirteen times, $1.2 billion in total, for use by the State, counties, and cities across Idaho.

“I have been fortunate to work with two remarkable teams. The success of the Idaho Lottery and the Liquor Division are a result of the determined efforts of the fine, hard-working, dedicated team members at both agencies,” added Anderson. “In the future, I look forward to more time with my children and their families, all of whom live in and around the capital city.”

During his tenure, Anderson represented Idaho nationally, serving as President of the Multi-State Lottery Association Board of Directors, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries Board of Directors, and Chairman of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) Board of Directors. Anderson has served as the Idaho Lottery’s Director for half of its operational existence. He is one of the longest tenured United States Lottery directors and the longest serving NABCA director.

Anderson came to state service after twenty-eight years in broadcasting. His last ten years were as Vice President and General Manager of CBS television affiliates KBOI (Boise) and KIDK (Idaho Falls).

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ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY
The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold over $5.4 billion in products, awarded more than $3.1 billion in prizes to players, returned $317 million in retail commissions, and distributed $1.189 billion in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and buildings. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

ABOUT THE IDAHO STATE LIQUOR DIVISION
The Liquor Division was established in 1933 following the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution, which repealed the 18th Amendment known as Prohibition. The mission of the Idaho State Liquor Division is to provide control over the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of distilled spirits; curtail intemperate use of beverage alcohol; and responsibly optimize the net revenues to the citizens of Idaho. The Division responsibly serves retail consumers and the hospitality industry of Idaho. Net revenues benefit the cities, counties, substance abuse and treatment, and the general fund of the State of Idaho. To learn more, please visit www.liquor.idaho.gov.

2024 CW Indian Hills Elementary Hall

Date: June 2024

School: Indian Hills Elementary

Wish Delivered: Field trip transportation

Teacher Deri Hall says "For the last several years, the fourth grade teachers at Indian Hills Elementary have taken our students on an adventure. We need two charter buses to hold all the excitement that our 87 students hold. We then travel down the road and stop at Grace Fish Hatchery. Students learn all about the native fish of Idaho first hand. Then we move on to Hooper Springs Park just outside of Soda Springs... Lastly, we spend a few hours at The National California/Oregon Trail Museum in Montpelier. Students experience what it might be like to ride in a wagon, see artifacts from people who lived years ago, and hear how those people traversing the Oregon Trail survived. Besides all of this, they get to see how beautiful Idaho truly is. Some of our students have never left Pocatello. It is an experience that they will remember their whole lives. It is an education of truly learning about their state first hand and connecting it to lessons they have already learned about Idaho"

Wish Amount: $1,000.00

7s Galore Surprises Coeur d’Alene Winner

Christine Harster slipped into the Nom Nom convenience store just around the corner from where she lives, located at N 15th Street and Best Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, in late May to buy a couple of Idaho Lottery Scratch tickets. Like many players, Christine’s purchase was made because she felt a personal connection to the game.

“I bought the 7s Galore scratch ticket because 7 is my lucky number,” she said.

Lucky number, indeed! Christine’s lucky ticket was a $77,000 winning top prize!

“I took the ticket home and was scratching it. It looked like a winner, but I wasn’t sure I’d really won,” she told Lottery officials when she claimed her winning ticket at the Lottery office in Boise. “I took it back to the store and had them scan it. When they said I had to contact the Lottery, I knew I was the big winner!”

With the newness of winning, Christine shared she was not certain what she would do with her winnings but said she and her family would at least get dinner before making the drive back to Coeur d’Alene.

2024 LYS Pocatello High Griggs

June 2024
Pocatello High School,
Pocatello
Donated By: Veronica Griggs