Darius Grant of Conover said he plans to use a $181,954 Cash 5 jackpot to make his dream of finishing his college education come true.

“School is expensive,” Grant said. “I had to stop because of financial reasons, but now I can go back and finish my sports management degree. It feels great to be able to do this.”

Grant’s good fortune started when he stopped by the Circle K on Conover Boulevard West in Conover and bought a ticket for Friday’s drawing.

He found out he won just after midnight when he checked the numbers online.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Grant said. “I just kept thinking, ‘I must be dreaming.’”

Grant wasn’t dreaming, and claimed his prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $128,279.

Cash 5 is a statewide draw game that gives players the chance to win a jackpot every single night. Tickets cost $1 and players can buy tickets at most lottery retailers or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.

A new version of the game began earlier this month, which means starting jackpots are now $100,000. They will grow by at least $10,000 if no one wins. The starting jackpot for tonight’s drawing is $120,000.

Ticket sales from draw games make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $650 million a year for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.