November 06, 2012 -- Full time college student, Alan Garcia of Bridgeport, has a real penchant for working on old cars.  Last Saturday, Garcia stopped for a fill up and purchased a CT Lottery “Cashword 19” instant game ticket.  Later, Garcia scratched 20 of the corresponding letters on his Cashword puzzle, uncovering a total of ten words for a top prize worth $25,000.  The prize Garcia scored was just what he needed to put toward his latest project—restoring his 1987 Toyota Supra.  “It’s the first year the car was made—it’s a classic!” Garcia said.  

Cashword, similar in style to a crossword puzzle, has long been a fan favorite since it was first launched by the CT Lottery in 1998.  Those who enjoy the extended style of play build prizes upon how many matches are made as the play is completed.  “I like that Cashword takes time to play,” Garcia said.  “It’s more fun that way.”

Joined by his uncle at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill, Garcia claimed his prize check for $17,076 (value after taxes).  “I brought my uncle with me—after I won, he was the first person I called…no one else was home, except me and the cat,” Garcia said with a laugh.

For selling Garcia his top prize winning ticket, Brass City Food Mart, located at 1485 E. Main Street in Waterbury, will receive a $250 bonus check from the CT Lottery.