Three Maryland winners sharing the record $656 million lottery payoff are remaining anonymous but garnering praise for their intentions to continue teaching school children.

The Mega Millions winners, who call themselves "The Three Amigos," will each take home almost $35 million after taxes.

"It's gratifying to know that these individuals, who have given so much to the public through the years, have had this wonderful luck.  It couldn't have happened to nicer people," said Maryland Lottery Director Stephen Martino.

The trio of friends — one is a school administrator — told lottery officials they planned to buy new homes, travel to Europe and help their own children pay for college.

Martino said the two teachers couldn't stand the thought of leaving their schools: "They were so clearly committed to their kids."

"They both said, ‘I can't give up my kids.' "

(Source: TwinCities.com)