An Oakland County eductor uses a flurry of "fun and funny" lottery jackpot speculation as a learning opportunity.
David Ascher, principal of Novi Woods Elementary School, reminds teachers, parents and pupils that rumors aren't facts -- and that a lottrery windfall isn't the only jackpot.
David Ascher: "I really hope it is a group of teachers." (Photo: Novi Community School District)
His school is about a mile east of the Kroger store that sold a $1-billion Mega Millions jackpot ticket drawn last Friday night. "Things got really interesting" over the weekend, Ascher posts at his school-related blog.
I started getting texts and emails [Saturday] that the winning ticket was purchased by a group of teachers at my school. When I say texts and emails, I mean LOTS of texts, emails, and calls.
I lost count, but I heard from neighbors, teachers, retirees, parents, friends, principals, assistant superintendents and more. ...
Then came Sunday. ... My phone continued to buzz for most of the day. Friends, colleagues and more parents have reached out congratulating me and/or our school. ... A parent who is also a financial planner sent me a very nice note offering to help anyone in our building. ...
I have never been part of a rumor web like this in the past, but it has been a nice diversion from current events. It makes you think about the "what ifs." It's also has been humbling when people say, "I really hope it is you or your teachers. You deserve it."
Ascher, who was interviewed by WDIV and "Good Morning America," is unaware who hit instant riches. "I really hope it is a group of teachers. It's been a tough few months, for sure," he posts.
The lottery prize is the largest ever won in Michigan and third-largest U.S. jackpot. Whoever beat the odds of 1 in 303 million can stay anonymous for up to a year.
The suburban principal uses the "fun and funny" frenzy of speculation for a lesson in how he defines wealth and winning:
I know who won the lottery. I did, many times. ... I am rich beyond belief.
He credits family, friends, faith and nearly 26 years at Novi Community School District as priceless assets, and ends touchingly:
Most of all, I won the lottery 27 years ago when the woman who would become my wife 25 years ago agreed to go out on a date with me. Kimberly is absolutely the best thing to have ever happened to me. She completes me and makes me a better person.
(Graphic: Michigan Lottery)
