Forest Elementary School teacher Tiffiney Lee chosen to compete on “Wheel of Fortune”
Tiffiney Lee, fifth grade teacher at Forest Elementary School, was a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune!” In November, Tiffiney flew out to California and was selected to be a participant. Her episode will air on December 29, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Tiffiney has been with Farmington Public Schools (FPS) for 22 years. Over the years, she has been a teacher at Warner Middle School, Wood Creek Elementary School, and East Middle School.
As a child, Tiffiney can recall always watching “Wheel of Fortune'' but never dreamed she would be one of the contestants on the show. During her time in college, Tiffiney and her roommate always watched the show together and would shout out answers towards the television. One day, they decided to apply to be contestants on the show, but never received a call. It became a tradition for them to apply every year, but never had any luck.
In August of 2023, Tiffiney received an email stating that “Wheel of Fortune'' was looking for contestants. Tiffiney and her college roommate decided to apply again. This time, they both were chosen for an audition.
Tiffiney had her first audition in late September via Zoom.
“I was so nervous,” Tiffiney said. “But my Forest colleagues encouraged me to smile and to just be myself.”
During her first audition Tiffiney described the letters as really hard to see which made her nervous. But, she smiled, stayed calm, and finished the audition proudly. At the end, the casting director ended with a simple “thank you” and that was the end. She didn’t hear any news for over a month. Finally, just before Halloween, Tiffiney received an exciting email with the heading of “congratulations!”
In November, Tiffiney, her daughter Brooklyn, and her sister Traci, headed to California.
“Being on the set of Wheel of Fortune was like a dream come true,” Tiffiney said.
She was able to meet Pat Sajak, Vanna White, and contestants from all across the country.
“My favorite memory from this experience was getting to meet Pat Sajak,” Tiffiney said. “He gave all of the contestants great advice and helped us relax and enjoy the experience. This is his last season as the host of “Wheel of Fortune” and it was great to get the chance to stand next to him as I played the game.”
“Wheel of Fortune” is one of the most recognized game shows of all time. It has been on air for 48 years.
“This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget,” said Tiffiney.
Congratulations on such a fun and exciting experience, Tiffiney.