Wright, a UW graduate and 15-year bookseller at University Book Store, is a lifelong fan who began watching during childhood visits with her grandparents. After decades of playing along at home, Wright auditioned, was selected and appeared in three episodes that aired in June. Wearing Husky purple for her prime-time debut, Wright’s love of reading paid off—literally. She aced categories such as Shakespeare’s Women and War Poetry. “It’s good to be curious about the world around you, which is why I’m a huge fan of reading,” says Wright.

She plans to spend her winnings on traveling and upcoming college tuition for her son—perhaps a future Jeopardy! winner. “It’s fun because I’ve been shouting answers at the TV for years,” says Wright, “but now he’s yelling along with me!” —Deanna Duff