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Katie McCann spends most days dishing out lunch to little kids — but on Tuesday night, she ditched her hairnet and apron, put her lipstick on, and served up all the right answers on national TV.
The lead food service worker at St. James Elementary School competed on “Wheel of Fortune,” walking away with a year’s supply of candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar, an all-inclusive weeklong trip to St. Croix, a brand-new 2025 Toyota Tacoma, and over $22,000 in cash.
A huge fan of the show since she was a child, McCann’s journey to the big wheel began two years ago when she first auditioned for the show. The 37-year-old Hauppauge mom played “Wheel of Fortune” online with the producers, who liked her energy and invited her to appear on the show.
“I couldn’t make it at the time, but this past year they offered me the chance again, and I flew out and went on the show,” said McCann, who has a 3-year-old daughter. “It’s a dream come true. It’s one of those things you think is never going to happen to you.”
McCann solved several puzzles during her appearance, but her biggest winning moment came when she solved the final round puzzle and won the Tacoma, which is priced at over $42,000. The clue was “What Are You Wearing?” And she nailed the correct answer: “Fuzzy Slippers!”
In total, she collected more than $65,000 in prizes and cash.
She’s now a star at work
Posted by Smithtown Central School District on Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Word of her game-show glory has spread quickly through the school, boosting the cafeteria’s star power.
“It’s very cool to be noticed,” she laughed. “People that don’t normally come to the lunchroom are now coming down, so it’s fun. This job is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
Top photos: Sony Pictures Television (main photo) and Smithtown School District
