Helen Aruogu of Fayetteville will start her week on a high note after claiming the first top prize of $250,000 in the new Diamond Dazzler game.
Aruogu bought the lucky ticket at the Harris Teeter on Traemoor Village Drive in Fayetteville.
She claimed her prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, Aruogu took home $173,754.
The $5 scratch-off game launched on Sept. 5 with five top prizes of $250,000. Four top prizes remain.
Ticket sales from instant games like $250,000 Diamond Dazzler made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million for the state last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in Cumberland County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.