Local Teens Win Big On 'Wheel Of Fortune'

WINNETKA, IL — Two New Trier sophomores won big on "Wheel of Fortune" as part of the long-running game show's "Teen Best Friends" week.

Zach Larsen and Ben Sklansky of Wilmette (the "dynamic duo" they like to call themselves) won more than $55,246 in cash and prizes, including a trip to Hawaii. The broadcast of their win had been scheduled for Tuesday, although coverage of this week's severe weather delayed the airing until 2:00 a.m. Wednesday.

"We prepared all day and they made sure we were confident in ourselves by the time we went on," Sklansky said via email.

Larsen and Sklansky, both NTHS sophomores, met on a youth basketball team about five years ago and have volunteered together at a local soup kitchen.

After seeing a commercial calling for teens to apply as “Wheel of Fortune” contestants, Sklansky thought he and Larsen should try it.

“I thought ‘Well, why not?’” Sklansky said.

The Wilmette teens got a call back in early December and attended an audition in downtown Chicago. By the end of the month, Larsen and Sklansky were selected as contestants.

“They liked our chemistry, our charisma,” Larsen said. “They wanted people to be expressive and enthusiastic, and I think they saw that in us.”

The two Trevians traveled to Culver City, Calif., on Jan. 20 to film their episode. On set, they strategized, practiced calling out letters and spun the wheel before their stage time.

Once they were on, they were treated like stars, Sklansky said, getting full make-up and water and touch-ups between rounds.

Sklansky said he didn't expect to win more than "at most $5,000" and intended to put any prize money mostly toward college. After the five-figure win, he said he still intends to put some of his share of the winnings in a college fund.

"But I also bought a Dodge Challenger," he said.

Both Larsen and Sklansky are huge fans of "Wheel" and have both been tuning in for years with their families for as long as they can remember, according to the show's producers.

"The most challenging part was trying to keep my composure and focus while standing right next to Pat Sajak," Sklansky said.

By the end of the game, Larsen and Sklansky locked in the most money with $21,246, therefore becoming the winners and earning the right to play in the bonus round. They won $34,000 more during the bonus by guessing the phrase: “During the break.”

Top photo: Courtesy Ben Sklansky, some information courtesy New Trier District 203