Wellesley’s Kate Stuntz, a Northeastern University senior, won nearly $70K on the Wheel of Fortune game show this week.
After advancing to the bonus round at the end of the show, aired on Friday, the Wellesley High Class of ’21 grad solved a puzzle revealing the words “Quite a Shock” with barely any time to spare. That answer was worth $40K.
The computer science/behavioral neuroscience student shared her story of qualifying for the show and what it was like being on it with WBZ/CBS TV, which also broadcasts the long running game show. She applied on a lark after playing a lot of the Nintendo Wii version of the game with her roommate, who had broken her ankle playing rugby. The show was recorded in December, and that’s when Stuntz learned the proper technique for spinning the wheel and came through in the clutch when the lights shone and the show began, according to the interview with WBZ’s Lisa Hughes. A big challenge: thinking straight while “constantly clapping.” Stuntz became part of Wheel of Fortune history by completing a week in which every show winner won the bonus round, too.
According to Stuntz’s father, Laurance, their household has a “long tradition of competitive family games, but game shows weren’t much of a thing.”
They were for at least one night though.
What will Kate do with her winnings? Take friends out for a round of drinks, pay off some student loans, and maybe rent an inflatable jousting ring.
