Sanford Principal Wins Big Money On ‘The Price Is Right’
East Lee Middle School principal Robert Newby’s dreams recently came true on an episode of The Price Is Right, when he was told to “come on down!” Not only did Newby get to play on the beloved game show, but he walked away with over $62,000 in prizes.
Newby’s Journey To ‘The Price Is Right’
A Sanford native, Robert Newby has served the Lee County School District for over 30 years, and is currently the principal of East Lee Middle School (which is also my alma mater. Go Rockets!)
In addition to molding young minds, one of Newby’s other passions is religiously watching The Price Is Right. In an interview with Sanford-based publication The Rant, Newby revealed that he had been a fan of the show since childhood, and that he “…can tell you every game they do on The Price is Right, just from where and how they set it up.” Newby also expressed great confidence in his abilities on The Clock Game in particular.
Further in the interview, Newby also shared that the episode he appeared on originally taped in March during his spring break week. He had originally made plans to visit Atlanta during that time, but instead decided to fulfill a lifelong dream, and immediately traveled to California to see The Price Is Right in person.
Little did he know that this decision would soon cement his place in retail game show history forever.
Newby Nets Big Money
The episode officially aired on May 21 2024, and can be seen in full here on the CBS website. In a shocking moment for the seasoned Sanford principal, he was the first called to come on down for the first round of bidding.
The Clock Game
While he bid a little too low in the first round, Newby made up for it in round two when he made the closest bid for a new iMac desktop computer. As Robert stepped up to the stage, Drew was quick to point out his custom-made t-shirt which advertised Newby’s true desire of becoming the show’s next male model. Fingers crossed that potential side hustle doesn’t interfere with Mr. Newby’s principal duties!
It was then revealed that Newby would be playing the classic Clock Game, a game he felt he had an intimate understanding of. His confidence was well placed, as he expertly guessed the correct prices of both his potential prizes in less than 30 seconds. In addition to a new vaccuum and dishwasher, Newby also won the third bonus prize: a free six-night trip to Montenegro.
Spinning The Wheel
Later in the show Robert Newby was up to spin the big money wheel along with two other contestants. After the first contestant Amylah spun over a dollar and the second contestant Kari spun for 35 cents, it was up to Newby to roll a greater total to secure his spot in the final showcase.
After a dismal first roll only scoring him ten cents, Newby’s second spin just barely settled at 65 cents, giving him the win for the first half of the show and sending him to the final showcase.
Showcase Showdown
Toward the end of the show, Robert faced fellow contestant Michael in the episode’s final showcase round. Newby’s showcase included a cooking class and resort stay in Mexico, a new pizza oven, and finally a new SUV.
Principal Newby estimated that the total money value of all three prizes was around $35,115. The actual retail price was revealed to be $41,328, which came out to a difference of $6,213. Fortunately, Michael’s showcase bid was over $9,000 off the actual retail price, which secured the win for the Newby.
Host Drew Carey made a point to say that the exuberant educator “cleaned up” with his impressive win. With Newby earning $62,050 in prizes including two all-expenses-paid vacations, it’s hard to argue with Carey’s assessment.
Post-Show Secrecy
As excited as Robert Newby clearly was in the broadcast, he was sworn to secrecy about his big win until the episode aired two months after its recording. The stakes were high, as Newby tells The Rant. “I had to watch what I said really carefully, because if I said anything I could have lost everything I won.”
Now that the episode has aired, Newby says he has enjoyed the attention and popularity his TV appearance has brought him, particularly from his students at East Lee.
“The kids were saying ‘Mr. Newby put the little town of Sanford on the map,’” he said in his Rant interview. As an East Lee alumnus who actually had Mr. Newby as a principal, I would also like to take this time and go on record about how much I admire and respect Principal Newby’s leadership. Hands down the best principal I ever had! I’m happy to offer my congratulations and Venmo ID to such a wonderful and generous fellow Sanfordian!
