In the crowded halls of Rector A. Jones Middle School in Florence, Kentucky, a tradition unlike any other quietly thrived for decades, unbeknownst to the students rushing through their daily routines. For years, after the final bell rang and normal school noises faded away, a select group of educators would meet for a unique gathering known as the “retirement club.”
This clandestine club was not about pensions or golden handshakes; instead, it was a place for friendship, gossip, and perhaps a sprinkle of luck, for a shared dream of striking it rich.
The origins of the “retirement club” have long been forgotten. Yet, its legacy endured, drawing in current and former staffers alike, totaling around 30 dedicated members. “It became something cool that we all had in common and bonded us,” said Paola Sciaraffia, a former ESL teacher at Jones Middle School. Their bond transcended job titles, with members composed of counselors, administrators, special education teachers, and even the school nurse.
We’ve remained buddies for all of these years,” said one anonymous winner.
The club’s weekly ritual was simple. They pooled their resources, purchasing lottery tickets in the hopes of a windfall. The numbers, carefully chosen years ago by a former principal, became symbols of unity and shared goals. Vice Principal Sharon Reynolds chuckled at the irony, remarking, “They didn’t get into teaching—or the lottery group—for the money.” It was always about their profound dedication to their students and community.
Members of the “Jones 30″ — 30 current and former staff at Rector A. Jones Middle School in Florence, Ky., who’ve played the lottery together for several years — claim a $1 million Powerball prize from the Kentucky Lottery. Photo courtesy of Sharon Reynolds
Then, one normal day, the mundane routine of checking lottery numbers yielded an extraordinary revelation. Sharon Reynolds recounted the moment of disbelief, “I started looking, and we were matching, we were matching, we were matching.” After more than two decades of faithful participation, the Jones 30 (as they had become known as) “retirement club” had hit the jackpot: a $1 million Powerball prize.
The news of their improbable victory spread like wildfire through the halls of Jones Middle School, sparking whispers of disbelief and awe among students. Yet, amidst the celebration, there was no wavering in their commitment to their vocation.
Man, did you hear? Thirty of our teachers won a million dollars, and if they all quit, we’re not going to have school,” Reynolds said she overheard in the cafeteria.
Such jests only reinforced the unwavering resolve of the Jones 30 to return to their classrooms, regardless of their lottery winnings. “Every one of us is going to give back in some way to the kids,” said Terri Webb, 59, a former special education teacher at Jones. Gathered at the Kentucky Lottery headquarters in Louisville, each member of the Jones 30 received their share of the winning.
The winning lottery ticket. Photo courtesy of Reynolds
Each teacher received a check for $24,000. On the Jones 30 group chat, they talked about paying bills, medical procedures and planning summer trips. Reynolds said she set aside some money for her daughters, including one who is getting married soon.
Even as they savored their victory, they were already planning to meet up the next week like normal. No one wanted to walk away from the one thing that had kept them together for so many years. In fact, a picture of a fresh new set of lottery tickets that had been purchased showed up in the group chat.
In the end, their story is not just about financial windfall, but of resilience, generosity and the enduring power of friendship. The Jones 30 reminds us all that sometimes, the greatest rewards come not from what we win but from the bonds we forge along the way. Watch below to learn more about the Kentucky teachers and their lucky win!
Sources: Washington Post | Harold Ledger
