Glory, glory, glory, he’s off to Ecuador! Hawthorne High School’s World History teacher and Varsity Basketball Coach Mr. Ward has won the Powerball Jackpot of $116 Million! Ward’s students know all too well that he constantly jokes about winning the lottery and eventually moving to Ecuador, but it appears his dreams have become a reality. Rumors have been circulating that he indeed plans to go through with these ideas and Hawthorne will be losing one of its finest teachers. Clarion reporters dug deep to find out if the rumors were true.

Upon investigation, Clarion reporters discovered that there was indeed a powerball jackpot of $116 million on the day in question. The drawing was on Wednesday and it appears that someone had indeed won. The winning ticket was said to be sold in Hoboken, New Jersey. All signs were pointing to the fact that maybe Mr. Ward was indeed the winner. During his AP World class, Mr. Ward seemed a little happier than usual. The man could not seem to wipe the smile off of his face. When asked why he was so full of joy all Mr. Ward had to say was “Oh brother.” As the class tried to question him and waste time, Ward finally admitted that he found out he had won. The students called him out, accusing him of lying, as he likes to bend the truth. This was nothing like every other time; this time he was serious.

Mr. Ward soon revealed that his plans were to carry off his dreams and move to Ecuador with his wife. The class insisted that he is to take them on the field trip that he has always promised them, but Ward had seemed to forget ever saying any of those things. When asked by one of his students as to how he found out he won Mr. Ward decided to share his story.
Mr. Ward woke up on Friday just like any other usual day. He had breakfast and he was off on his way to work. Ward received a call from his wife as he arrived to Hawthorne High School. His wife informed him that the winning Powerball ticket was sold in the same town he bought his in. It all seemed too good to be true to Ward at first. Ward raced back to his car and found the ticket he purchased. His wife read the numbers aloud as he scanned the ticket. As she read off the final number, Mr. Ward leaped in joy and informed his wife that he had indeed won. They shared a moment of joy and then hung up as Ward was off to his normal teaching job.

One thing is sure: Mr. Ward will be missed dearly. A student of his for four years, Erika LaMonaca sounded off on Mr. Ward’s leaving to Ecuador saying, “I hope Mr. Ward finds a big mansion to live in with a huge basketball court and pool so then his AP World History class can visit him all the time in Ecuador and have a good time”. These sentiments are echoed by most of Mr. Ward’s students. We all wish Mr. Ward a safe and happy retirement in Ecuador. Adios amigo!