April 01, 2011 -- After counting nine complete word matches on her "Cashword 17" instant ticket yesterday, receptionist Jacqueline Quinones of Waterbury asked her boss to take a second look at it, just to make sure she was correct.  “Nine words…you just won $1,000,” Quinones’ boss exclaimed.  But, when she got home later, Quinones’ youngest son looked at the same Cashword 17 ticket and pointed out her mistake—she had a 10 word match and instead of $1,000, Quinones was really a $25,000 top prize winner.  “My heart went ‘Boom,’ and I started crying,” Quinones told lottery officials.  “I honestly thought I would wake up and it would be an April Fool’s joke.”

Fortunately for Quinones, when she woke today, April 1, she was still, indeed, a $25,000 top prize winner.  While winning the top prize was certainly an exciting experience, Quinones says that she’s a “Cashword” instant game fan, regardless of the win.  “I love playing these games.  I even find new ways to scratch the ticket, just to make it last longer.”

Quinones arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim her check for $17,126 (prize value after taxes).  “I couldn’t sleep last night; I was tossing and turning,” said Quinones.  “All I could think about was how happy I was.”  

In addition to her plans of buying her eldest of two sons a much needed car, when prompted, Quinones finally thought of one gift she would consider buying for herself.  “Maybe I’ll go to a spa for a day of relaxation…I would love that,” Quinones said.

For selling Quinones her top prize winning ticket, 7-Eleven Store, located on 334 W. Main Street in Waterbury, will receive a $250 bonus check from the CT Lottery.