Custodian at New Trier Hits it Big With $2 Million Lottery Win

NORTHFIELD, IL - A longtime custodian at New Trier High School’s Northfield Campus got lucky with a birthday present that will be better served as a huge boost ahead of his upcoming retirement.

David Martinez, known to his co-workers at the school as “Speedy” because of the brisk pace he exerts while on the job, won $2 million in an Illinois Lottery Merry Millionaire ticket recently.

The win came on his 60th birthday, according to an ABC 7 Chicago report.

"I was hysterical," Martinez told the Tribune this week about the moment he found out he had won on Nov. 19. "I was jumping around."

Martinez, of Gurnee, said that at first he thought he only won $100,000, but then realized the prize was for $100,000 a year over 20 years.

Read More: Gurnee Man Hits $2 Million Jackpot on Illinois Lottery Game

“I am going to pay my bills, make wise investments, and maybe take a vacation. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii, and now I can!” he said.

Even though he hasn’t seen any of the money yet, the spending began with the purchase of a new Jeep.
“I spoiled myself a little,” he said.

The $2 million win overshadowed another stroke of luck Martinez had at the same Citgo gas station in Gurnee the night before buying the ticket. He won $100 in a different game before returning for the big win the next morning.

The win comes just in time (a year before) Martinez’ planned retirement. He told the Tribune he will not quit the job at New Trier, a position he has held since 1982.

photo via Illinois Lottery