Linden Veteran Claims $1 Million Prize on Lucky Loteria Scratch-Off

Celena Mars from Linden scored a $1 million prize on a Lucky Loteria scratch-off ticket. She bought it on Saturday at a Shell station in Fayetteville. The Cumberland County resident chose a lump sum of $600,000. After taxes were withheld, she walked away with around $432,063 when she claimed her prize on Tuesday at lottery headquarters.

Mars purchased the $10 ticket at the Shell on N.C. 87 South. She and her husband, who both served in the military, stopped for gas. They scratched it together right there at the station.

"I was like, 'Oh my God! Oh my God!" she said, per NC Education Lottery. "Then my husband took a picture of it and sent it to our kids."

At lottery headquarters, Mars faced a decision. She could take an annuity, which is $50,000 each year for 20 years, or grab the lump sum. She went with the one-time payout.

Mars says she will use the money to pay bills, invest and remodel her house. She will save whatever is left over.