Lowell Woman, Rockland Girl Fourth VaxMillions Winners

LOWELL, MA — After getting their COVID-19 vaccinations this year, two more lucky Massachusetts residents received life-changing news Thursday.

Lowell teacher Lilly Guttenplan became the fourth $1milllion winner of VaxMillions, Gov. Charlie Baker said in a news release.

High school sophomore Nadia Dutton, of Rockland, won this week's $300,000 scholarship to her college of choice.

Guttenplan is an elementary ESL teacher and mother of two.

She told state officials she got vaccinated to protect herself, her family and her community.

"Lilly is thankful to all the frontline workers and everyone who is still responding to the many challenges of COVID in different ways," the release said. "She and her husband plan to put the winnings towards their daughters' college education."

Dutton is entering her sophomore year at Rockland High School. She is a three-sport athlete who plays volleyball, basketball and lacrosse.

Dutton wants to pursue a career in nursing and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

"Nadia is hoping to attend a four year college in the New England area and is very interested in Salve Regina University as this is where her mom attained her nursing degree," she told state officials. "Nadia got vaccinated after seeing the impacts of COVID on her community and to help protect others."

Massachusetts created the lottery to efforts to encourage more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Over 2.5 million people have registered for the lottery and 300,000 have gotten their first dose of the vaccine since the program was announced.

The final drawing will happen Monday and the winners will be announced on Thursday, Aug. 26.

Winners have 24 hours to respond when the Department of Public Health reaches out, and if the winner does not respond, they will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be chosen.

You can still register for the last drawing here. The deadline to register is Thursday, Aug. 19.