Elmont HS workers almost win $336M Powerball

They were oh so close. Some 110 employees at Elmont Memorial High School will share a $1 million Powerball prize from Saturday's $336 million drawing -- winning about $4,000 each.

One winner, teacher John Squillace, 33, of Astoria, Queens, said Tuesday he was one of 110 people who won the prize in Saturday's Powerball drawing.

The winning ticket for the $336 million Powerball jackpot was sold in Rhode Island and matched all five numbers -- 1, 10, 37, 52, 57 -- and the Powerball, 11.

There were 11 winners nationwide -- including Squillace's group -- who matched the five numbers but not the Powerball.

The $1 million ticket was bought Saturday at the 7-Eleven at 850 Hempstead Tpke. in Franklin Square, New York Lottery officials said. Another $1 million Powerball ticket was sold at the Fresh Mart grocery and produce store at 40-38 Union St. in Flushing, Queens.

Squillace said the school group is "very happy" to win any "little piece of the pie."

But he also acknowledged he could not help thinking about just missing the jackpot "that would have been life-changing and absolutely amazing."

Squillace said the winning group comprises "teachers, custodians, secretaries, everyone" from the high school.

He said he and two others collected about $80 apiece from each member of the group to buy tickets for several drawings, including buying about 200 for Saturday's drawing.

Squillace said each member of the group is expected to get about $4,000 after taxes. "We are splitting it evenly 110 ways when we get it," he said.

The manager at the 7-Eleven, Miguel Cxau, said he knew Sunday morning his store had sold a $1 million ticket. He said the woman who purchased it came in to tell him. "She said it wasn't her but the faculty members of Elmont high school," Cxau said.

Lottery spokeswoman Christy Calicchia said the winners will be publicly introduced sometime in the next few weeks.