ATLANTA — Congratulations are in order to a Sandy Springs principal who won big on "Wheel of Fortune" Wednesday night.
"There's only one word, it's just so surreal," Principal Laryn Nelson at Lake Forest Elementary School Principal said. "The experience, there's nothing like it in a lifetime."
The Sandy Springs elementary school principal won over $24,000 in cash and prizes on the popular game show. She has even won a special vacation to Europe.
The educator of over three decades said taking part in the show holds a special meaning. The game show, which has aired continuously since 1975, is something Nelson shared with family.
"I dreamt about it because I would sit with my grandmother when I was a young kid watching it," Nelson explained. "So, it's always been something I grew up on. I still watch it every day."
According to Nelson, she applied to be a contestant on the show in April. Shortly after, she was invited to audition virtually by show producers.
In July, Nelson it was official: she would be a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune."
The Sandy Springs elementary school principal then traveled to California, where her winning episode was taped.
"You walk around like, 'Is this real?'" Nelson described. "Oh, there's the wheel, and there's the other wheel, and there's the board. You know, the things that you see on TV."
Before her episode aired, Nelson kept the big win a secret from her Lake Forest Elementary family.
Nelson's episode was shot Aug. 8 and aired Sept. 14.
Sandy Springs elementary principal wins on 'Wheel of Fortune'
To celebrate, the elementary school cheered their principal on with a watch party.
"You know, I'm just a simple principal here in Atlanta, Georgia. Nothing special, just me." Nelson added. "But I did have fun."
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