Jessica Howard didn't win $1 million on "Deal or No Deal," the hit NBC game show starring host Howie Mandel. But the wife of a Las Vegas youth minister did take home $40,000 and get to enjoy her first prom. “It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Howard, a 2005 graduate of Abilene Christian University.

Her husband, Lantz, youth minister at the Bright Angel church in Las Vegas, joined her on national television. Other supporters included her parents, Mike and Danyelle Turner, members of the Collin County church in McKinney, Texas, and her sister, Heather Turner, a freshman at Harding University.

“It was amazing,” Lantz Howard, who attended Lubbock Christian University, said of the recent experience.

Jessica Howard had told producers in pre-show interviews that she never attended her high school prom.

So, Mandel surprised her that night by telling her that her appearance would be extra special. A banner reading “Jessica’s Prom” then fell, and she was whisked away to be transformed into a prom queen. “It was just like a whirlwind — and they were doing my hair and my makeup,” she said.

Back on stage in her prom dress after the commercial break, Jessica Howard was surprised again when her husband gave her a necklace from Tiffany’s that she had always wanted.

With tears in her eyes, she turned her attention back to the game.

She proceeded to knock out all the high numbers except for $200,000 and $75,000.

When the banker offered her $40,000, she listened to her family’s advice and took the deal.

“Things didn’t exactly go as I had planned, but it’s a blessing to have a free $40,000,” she said. “It really will go a long way in helping Lantz and me prepare for a family.

“Everyone at Deal or No Deal was so nice,” she added, “and I had such an amazing time.”


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