D.C. nurse wins $19.3 million powerball jackpot

Jet, June 17, 1996

For the second time in less than a month, the Powerball grand prize winner is a Washington, D.C.-area resident.

Pauline Cappel, who won the $19.3 million grand prize recently, said, "I couldn't believe it. I never thought I would win anything like this."

Cappel, who is from Berbice Guyana, said she and her husband, Lenan, had several family members examine the winning ticket before she was convinced that she actually won.

"We all tried to stay calm and cool about it," said Cappel, "but, of course, we were very happy."

In fact, the 44-year-old registered nurse remained so calm the night she found out she won that she was able to complete a double shift at D.C. General Hospital, where she plans to continue to work. "I love my job, and I love helping people. It's what I'm all about."

She has already received her first payment, which totaled $971,371.84 (before taxes). The $18.3 million balance will be paid in 19 installments each year on the anniversary date of her first payment.

Cappel chose her own numbers using various family members, birthdays. A regular player of Powerball, she said she plays the same four combinations twice a week.

Powerball is played in 20 states as well as in Washington, D.C.