Includes video report
WHITE CENTER, Wash. — The lunch hour is over and Evergreen High School custodian Tyrone Curry gets out his broom for a quick sweep up.
"I try to make sure it's spotless and it's ready for the kids," he said.
After cleaning, he's off to his second passion: coaching the track and field team.
"I just like staying busy," Curry said with a laugh.
But in reality, he doesn't have to work. He's a millionaire.
"I know my wife says, 'Oh, you don't really have to work' and I say, 'Yeah. I do."
Five years ago, Curry won nearly $3.4 million in the state lottery. Even before his numbers were drawn, the coach knew where he wanted to spend it.
"Ten years ago, I said if I win some money, I'm going to put a track here."
In early April, coach Curry presented the district with $40,000 to go towards a brand new track.
"Tyrone goes above and beyond in the sports he coaches," said senior Devante Botello. "It's a deep feeling. All I can say is thanks."
Curry said the gift he has given Evergreen pales in comparison to what the kids have given him.
"Kids do things for you. They keep you young," Curry said.
In June, after 34 years, Curry will retire. But, he'll be back to see that brand new track and cheer on the team.
"It's gonna be hard when I retire, you know, but I'll still be here."
Curry plans to run for the school board after retirement.
His donation will be matched with a $75,000 youth sports grant.
What a beautiful human, great story Todd, Best wishes to Mr. Curry.
He loved his job and appears to have strong ties with his family and community. When you have that combination lottery money would come to you as a blessing and not a curse.
I saw the show about him on the lottery show on TLC. Very inspiring and he is just a good kind hearted gentleman. Very well grounded.
Same guy from "Lottery changed my Life"? I remember that guy from the show. Looks like he kept his word. Good for him & the kids
After the daily barrage of news about war and crime and murder and Charlie Sheen, it's nice to hear that there are also good people like this in the world too.
You're a warm spot in a cold world, Tyrone.
God bless ya.
WTG Mr. Curry God bless you & your family.......
^^^This^^^
Great story, more people like this should be winning the lottery.
I remember the show also. Glad he's doing good things with his money.
Well, congratulations to him, a well-deserved win, and he is giving 'something' back to the community, which he doesn't have to do. May he have many blessings in return for his generosity in helping others.
Congratulations to Mr. Curry,
He is level headed and grounded. Lottery winnings only enhanced what was already present in his spirit. I enjoy stories like these, giving to the community, not retiring hastily hopefully while his money earns interest he can live off half interest and reinvest the other half to grow the core of his lottery winnings.
Mr Curry is a truly giving man who is going to be blessed a thousand times over for his kindness