Two Northampton County residents have won $5,000 instant prizes playing the N.C. Education Lottery within the last week.

Last Wednesday, Cola Ashe, a retired teacher from Rich Square, said he felt excited as he claimed the prize he won playing $500,000 Anniversary Cash.

On Monday, Aug, 1, Mary Dickens of Jackson started a new month out on the right foot as she collected the prize money she won on a $200 Million Extravaganza ticket.

Since the lottery began selling tickets in 2006 through June 30 of last year, Northampton players have won more than $6.6 million in prizes. In addition, Northampton County retailers have earned more than $972,000 in commissions on ticket sales.

Through the same time frame, Northampton education programs have received more than $3.7 million in lottery funds. By law, lottery funds benefit teacher salaries, school construction, need-based college scholarships, and pre-kindergarten programs.