This week’s Vax-a-Millionaire didn’t hesitate to get the COVID-19 shot
COLUMBUS — After becoming the Ohio's fourth Vax-a-Millionaire, University of Findlay business professor Suzanne Ward said she plans to head to an accountant.
The 62-year-old thought she was being scammed Wednesday night when she received several phone calls and text messages from Gov. Mike DeWine.
On Thursday morning the news "was still sinking in," Ward said. With the money, she plans to contribute to her grandchildren's college funds.
"I'm looking at some things we have a real passion for in the community as well," she said.
Sean Horning, who won this week's drawing for a full-ride scholarship, just graduated from Colerain High School in Cincinnati.
The baseball and hockey player hadn't yet made any decisions about college, but said Thursday, "I'm going to look a some good schools now that I have this opportunity."
"I have no words," said his mom Lina. "I'm just so thankful. It's a blessing to have this opportunity for my son."
Neither family needed to be convinced to get the shot.
"I didn't have any hesitation when my age group came up," said Ward. "It's the best thing to save lives."
Wednesday's winners are the fourth pair of five.
Last week, Mark Cline of Richwood became a millionaire; Sara Afaneh of Sheffield Lake won the college scholarship.
Two weeks ago, Jonathan Carlyle, of Toledo, won the $1 million prize and Zoie Vincent, of Mayfield Village in Cuyahoga County, won the college scholarship.
On May 27, Abbigail Bugenske of Silverton was the first winner of Ohio's Vax-A-Million lottery. Joseph Costello of Englewood was the first winner of the scholarship.
The final winners will be announced June 23 at 7:29 p.m. Ohio residents who have received at least one COVID-19 shot can sign up at ohiovaxamillion.com or by calling the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH.
Gov. Mike DeWine launched the giveaway as an incentive for more Ohioans to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Statewide, 46.85 percent of Ohioans have started to receive the vaccine. Mahoning Valley counties continue to lag behind the state rate:
- Mahoning County: 45.41 percent;
- Trumbull County: 43.56 percent;
- Columbiana County: 36.97 percent.
This story was originally published June 17, 2021 at 2:15 PM with the headline "This week’s Vax-a-Millionaire didn’t hesitate to get the COVID-19 shot."