Garry Morgan II recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by appearing as a contestant on the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune.”

Morgan, who shared this aspiration with his grandmother, saw the opportunity as a now-or-never moment, particularly with this being host Pat Sajak's last season. 

"The idea of being on the show was something I've always wanted to do," said Morgan, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the veterinary college.

Morgan expressed a love for Disney, it was a thrill to be competing on Christmas special called the "Disney Secret Santa Holiday Giveaway,".

"The whole process, from applying to actually being on stage, felt surreal," Morgan shared. "Seeing Pat Sajak and Vanna White in person and recording in front of a live studio audience was an exhilarating experience."

Morgan also had the opportunity to interact with the show's iconic hosts. "Pat and Vanna were extremely nice and supportive," he said. "Vanna spoke to us contestants early in the day, and Pat was a quiet, guiding voice throughout the show."

In preparation for his appearance, Morgan engaged in various activities to sharpen his skills.  

"I love Wordle and Sudoku, which I think help keep my mind flexible," he said. However, he jokingly noted that watching videos of "Amazing Solves" of “Wheel of Fortune” wins on YouTube might not have been the most helpful strategy. "It was probably the worst anxiety-inducing prep that I could have done."

Morgan's appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” will be on Roanoke station WDBJ, Channel 7, on Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.

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Andrew Mann
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