Goodland resident Cara Short left home at midnight Monday to claim her winning Kansas lottery ticket at 8a.m. the next morning in Topeka.

Last Thursday, Short purchased a a $5 Super Red Hot Crossword instant scratch ticket for the first time  and won a $50,000 top prize.

Before going to work Friday morning, Short stopped at the Presto convenience store where she purchased her winning ticket to have it validated.

“The gal behind the counter scanned my ticket and told me I had won over $599,” said Short.  “She handed me a claim form and told me I should call the Lottery office to find out how much I had won.  When I called the Lottery office, they confirmed I had won $50,000. I couldn’t quit crying.”

Winning a $50,000 top prize came at a good time for the Goodland resident.  Short, who currently works five jobs, plans to attend EMT classes in January.

“Now I can pay for my schooling and get out of debt,” said Short.  “I’m truly thankful for winning such a big prize.