This Powerball winner story explains how nine North Carolina elementary teachers who, after years of playing together, won a $100,000 Powerball prize on November 24, 2025.
A group of nine teachers from North Carolina recently won a $100,000 Powerball prize. The group from Onslow County in Jacksonville, NC, won by matching four white balls and the Powerball, using Power Play to double their winnings.
The group works together at a local elementary school and has been playing Powerball for quite some time, and their dedication has finally paid off (pun intended).
The Nine Lucky Pirates
Nine elementary teachers from Swansboro Elementary were shocked to learn they actually won the $100,000 Powerball prize from the November 24, 2025, drawing.
The group of nine has been playing Powerball for over a decade and calls itself the “Nine Lucky Pirates” after the Swansboro Elementary school mascot, since their win.
The Nine Lucky Pirates are made up of the following individuals:
- Leah Allen (from Swansboro, NC)
- Mary Boorks (from Swansboro, NC)
- Leah Cottle (from Swansboro, NC)
- Suellen Dixon (from Swansboro, NC)
- Lori Jones (from Maysville, NC)
- Jill Kidd (from Hubert, NC)
- Nicole Meadows (from Hubert, NC)
- Melinda Whorely (from Hubert, NC)
The group decided to split the ticket winnings evenly. Splitting the $100,000 nine ways meant that each teacher received $11,110 ($7,972 after taxes) from the ticket. They were able to claim their prize on December 22, 2025.
Power Play
The Nine Lucky Pirates $3 winning ticket was purchased from a Walmart on West Corbett Avenue in Swansboro, NC.
It appears the ticket was a Power Play ticket. Meaning the base amount for the ticket was $2 + $1 for Power Play, for a total of $3.
Power Play tickets are a $1 add-on feature that multiplies prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. The Multiplier is drawn before the main game.
The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292 million. While the chances of winning any Powerball prize are about 1 in 24.87. The nine teachers were indeed very lucky to have won.
Practical Plans
The Nine Lucky Pirates told reporters they intended to use their prize money for practical purposes, such as holiday expenses and early retirement planning, among other things.
While some people may have lofty dreams for lavish big-ticket items or exotic vacation destinations if they won the Powerball, it's really about the financial freedom that winning can provide. Imagine setting aside your budget to buy the extravagant item you’ve always wanted. Or spontaneously hopping on a plane to the one place on Earth you’ve always wanted to visit simply because you can. Winning the Powerball can help provide life-changing experiences while providing financial relief.
Worth the Wait
The Nine Lucky Pirates’ years-long dedication to playing Powerball was worth the wait. They started playing fifteen years ago, hoping that someday they would win and could put the winnings toward their retirement plans.
If you and your coworkers find yourself inspired by The Nine Lucky Pirates and want to start your own office Powerball pool, here are some tips.
The Top FAQ’s of Powerball
Powerball sales always see a spike after a big win. If you’re curious about the Powerball or some of the rules, here’s a quick rundown of some of the top frequently asked questions.
- Where can I buy a Powerball ticket? Powerball tickets can be purchased in states where Powerball is offered, and at authorized retail outlets.
- Is there an age limit? Yes, individuals must be 18 years old to play.
- How do I check to see if my ticket is a winner? Check the official site, download the mobile app, visit a Powerball kiosk, or visit an official Powerball retailer.
Persevere and Dream Big
The story of the Nine Lucky Pirates shows us that perseverance, camaraderie, and, hopefully, a little fun will eventually pay off. The Nine Lucky Pirates’ win not only brought a little bit of financial relief for the members, but also serves as a reminder that sometimes, persistence pays off in unexpected ways. Their journey encourages others to dream big, enjoy the adventure along the way, and play the Powerball with a smile. Good luck!