Taking an alternate morning route led to a lucky win for a Conyers father of three. Michael Griffiths, whose oldest son is a Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship recipient, won a $400,000 top prize playing the new Georgia Lottery instant game Lucky Streak.

While on his way to work Tuesday, Griffiths decided to take a different route to avoid Interstate 285 traffic congestion.

He decided to stop at QuikTrip #0741, 1910 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur, where he purchased the ticket while getting gas.

"I saw the matching No. 16, and I said, ‘This has too many zeros,' " recalled Griffiths, 50. "I asked about it, and the clerk said, ‘Congratulations!'"

A sales representative, Griffiths and his wife, Charmain, have two school-aged children and a son who currently is attending the University of West Georgia.

"That's why I play because the Georgia Lottery supports HOPE," he shared.

Griffiths intends to pay off bills with his winnings.

"My Thanksgiving will be the same. We're sticking to the menu," he said. "But, oh boy, you cannot imagine how excited I am!"

For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corp., go to www.galottery.com or www.lotterybenefitsgeorgians.com