New Hyde Park woman wins $1 million prize

Drawing Date: 8/23/2016

September 23, 2016 - Sixty-three-year-old Mirella Honovic of New Hyde Park, N.Y., recently claimed the $1,000,000 second prize from the August 23 Mega Millions drawing. Honovic, who has been married to her husband Mario for thirty-nine years, plays the Lottery regularly. While out food shopping Honovic decided to purchase her tickets.

“I play a little every week, Mega Millions and Powerball,” she said. “I bought 3 quick pick games. I always let the computer pick the numbers.”

One of those games was a big winner. The next week when she was back at the store Honovic discovered her big win.

“I was in line checking out and saw the ticket. I decided to check it so I scanned it. It said ‘Big Winner, Sign Your Ticket.’ I took it over to the clerk to verify it.”

Honovic said she started shaking and was scared.

“I asked the clerk ‘Are you sure?’ Then I went straight home with the ticket in my hand.”

When asked how it feels to win the Lottery Honovic said, “I’m still in shock. I don’t know. It will be a nice help.”

The winning numbers for the August 23 Mega Millions drawing were: 02 – 07 – 46 – 61 – 66 and Mega Ball 01.

Honovic will receive her $1,000,000 prize in a single payment totaling $661,800, after required withholdings. She plans to use her big win to pay off loans and to help her children and grandchildren.