Area man wins $1 million lottery prize

SILVA, Mo. -- Matthew Hedgecorth can now afford to go back to school after he won a $1 million prize on the only Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket he bought in Silva.

According to a Missouri Lottery news release, Hedgecorth, a 19-year-old Greenville, Mo., resident, said he was with his father Friday when they stopped at Break Time convenience store at the junction of highways 67 and 34 in Silva. While inside, he decided to try playing one of the Lottery Scratchers.

"I figured I'd try something," Hedgecorth was quoted in the news release. "That was the only ticket I bought."

Hedgecorth graduated from high school in 2010, and has since considered going to school to study physical or massage therapy. Now he can choose to pursue either.

In addition to going to college, Hedgecorth said he plans to use the money to buy a small car and take his father fishing, the lottery reported. Hedgecorth won playing "$1,000,000 Payout," which began in January. To date, three $1 million top prizes remain.

Pertinent address:

Silva, MO

Greenville, MO