LANSING, October 12, 1999 — Racheal Whelpley of Hesperia was overjoyed when she scratched off a Michigan Lottery "Hot Hand" instant ticket to reveal she had won one of the $21,000 top prizes!

The 18-year-old winner purchased the winning ticket at Jacks Quick Stop, 309 S. Division St., in Hesperia. Whelpley was completely surprised when she scratched off the ticket.

"I yelled ‘Oh my God!’ as soon as I realized I had won," Whelpley said. "I was so excited to win that I called everyone I know right away!"

Whelpley, a computer enthusiast, said she has only been playing Michigan Lottery games for two weeks, and her favorite games so far are, of course, the instant tickets!

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at the Lottery’s regional office in Wyoming, Whelpley placed it in her purse, and then inside a pillow, to ensure the ticket’s safety. The lucky lady plans to use her winnings to fund her upcoming move to Texas.

"Hot Hand" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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