Smyth teacher represents region as Virginia Lottery awards public schools proceeds
Smyth County teacher Hunter Trivette (third from left) joined Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffrey Smith in a ceremony acknowledging Virginia Lottery's financial contribution to education.
A Smyth County educator took part in a ceremonial check presentation to recognize the $914 million the Virginia Lottery has raised for Virginia’s K-12 public schools.
Hunter Trivette, the Region 7 Teacher of the Year, represented Southwest Virginia during the event that brought together educators and public education officials from across the Commonwealth. Trivette teaches at Oak Point Elementary School.
The Virginia Lottery generated the $914 million in profit during the Fiscal Year 2026. It marked the Lottery’s second-highest profit year ever and the third consecutive year Lottery profits have exceeded $900 million.
Under Virginia law, the proceeds go directly to support K-12 public education across the Commonwealth.
Of the FY26 money directed to public education, Bland County Public Schools received $828,815; Smyth County got $5,489,972; Washington County received $6,533,528; and Wythe County got $3,953,038.
Lottery proceeds are distributed by the Virginia Department of Education according to the approved state budget.
“These FY26 results reflect a simple formula: outstanding retail partners, innovative digital products, exciting jackpots and, above all, an exceptional Lottery team committed to serving Virginians,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “Every ticket purchased and every game played helps support public education, and the Virginia Lottery team takes tremendous pride in that mission.”
Earlier this week, Hall presented Gov. Abigail Spanberger and the public education representatives with a ceremonial check.
“Every dollar of this year’s $914 million contribution goes to Virginia’s future — to our schools, students, and teachers across every corner of our Commonwealth. Investing in education has always been one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Spanberger. “Virginians expect gaming to be conducted responsibly, transparently and with strong public oversight. I know that the Lottery remains committed not only to generating revenue for education, but to doing so with a focus on protecting Virginians.”
The Virginia Lottery attributed the FY26 results to a record-breaking sales year, with players buying $6.36 billion in Lottery products. Those product sales included nearly $4 billion in online sales through the Virginia Lottery mobile app and valottery.com. It’s the strongest sales performance in the online program’s six-year history.
“Since launching online sales in 2020, the Lottery has focused on meeting customers where they are,” said Hall. “Consumers increasingly expect to engage with trusted brands whenever and wherever it’s most convenient. Our digital offerings have expanded those choices while complementing the thousands of Virginia retailers who remain at the heart of our business.”
More than 5,300 Virginia businesses sold Lottery products during FY26, generating more than $128 million in commissions and bonuses for businesses. The Lottery also continued expanding its retail presence into social establishments.
Overall, the Virginia Lottery had $6.359 billion in total sales. Of that amount, $5.077 billion was paid out in prizes. The Lottery’s operating expenses totaled $248.3 million for the year.
