Photo: Gov. Charlie Baker's Office
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The winners in the first drawing in the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway were announced Thursday morning.
The first winner of the $1 million was Darrell Washington, of Weymouth. Daniela Maldonado, a 15-year-old Chelsea High School student, won a $300,000 college scholarship.
Washington said it was important for him to get vaccinated because he has family members with comorbidities.
"I just couldn't imagine me being a host for the virus, and then getting them sick and critically ill, and possibly passing away," Washington said.
Read More: What Should You Do If You Win Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway?
Moldonado said she is grateful for the scholarship.
"Thank you for everyone that made this possible for this opportunity because now I’m able to achieve goals that I’ve wanted to do but would’ve not been able to do if I hadn’t had this scholarship," she said.
There are still four more drawings in the giveaway. Fully-vaccinated people 18 or older have the chance to win $1 million, and people ages 12-17 have the chance to win a $300,000 scholarship.
The goal of the giveaway is to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Since we announced the program, about 200,000 people have gotten their first shot and about 330,000 people have become fully vaccinated. Here in Massachusetts, we have about 4.5 million people who have gotten at least one shot, and 4.3 million people who are fully vaccinated," Gov. Charlie Baker said at the announcement Thursday.
You can find out how to sign up for the VaxMillions by clicking here.
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