DALLAS – Cheryl Yex, a mother from West Newton, Pennsylvania, won the grand-prize in 7-Eleven’s “Get Animated” online contest, part of the company’s campaign in July heralding “The Simpsons Movie” debut. Yex’s prize includes a trip-for-two to Los Angeles, a visit with “The Simpsons” creative team at Fox Studios and the opportunity to be drawn into America’s longest-running comedy series.

When the “Instant Win” screen popped up on her computer, congratulating her on taking the top prize, Yex said she literally fell out of her chair. “I couldn’t believe it,” Yex said. “I was just trying to win one of ‘The Simpsons Movie’ Kwik-E-Mart smocks.” The limited edition smocks were worn by store employees in the 7-Eleven stores converted to Kwik-E-Marts, the convenience store made famous on the show and featured in “The Simpsons Movie.”

Yex said she hopes her character will not be too goofy, although she observed that she can’t think of any Simpsons characters who don’t fit that description. “Maybe they can draw me into a scene at Moe’s Bar or even better, the Kwik-E-Mart,” she said.

While hundreds of famous celebrities have guest-starred in the program throughout its 18-year history, the “Get Animated” winner marks the first time a fan will get the opportunity to hang out--in a cartoon sense--in the Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield.