• DALLAS 

Three military children learned studying hard pays off as winners of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) “You Made the Grade” sweepstakes. 

For more than 25 years, this program has rewarded students in first through 12th grade for above-average grades to encourage and inspire them to continue studying hard. 

The winners were randomly selected from more than 1,170 military students who entered the drawing after maintaining at least a B average during the 2024 fall semester. 

Aviano AB, Italy, third grader Lysander Brown, son of Maj. Dexter Brown, was presented with the grand-prize, a $2,000 Exchange gift card.  

Fort Belvoir, Va., sixth grader Jorlan Delgado, son of Maj. Jorge Delgado, received his second-place prize of $1,500, while an unnamed Fort Johnson, La., ninth grader earned the third-place prize of $500. 

“Children belonging to military families face a great deal of uncertainty, such as a parent deploying or moving often, that can disrupt schooling,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange’s ‘You Made the Grade’ program seeks to recognize and honor students of military families for their resiliency inside the classroom.” 

HOW IT WORKS 

Military children with a B average or higher can bring their report cards each grading period to their local PX or BX for a $10 or $20 gift card as well as a coupon sheet, which includes: 

Many freebies, such as a free small fountain, frozen drink or bubbler beverage; a free kid’s meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; a free combo meal at a participating Exchange restaurant; and a free kid’s hair service at The Barber Shop, Hair Studios, or Stylique beauty salons. 

Ten-percent-off deals, such as those on any pair of headphones (excluding Apple and Beats) and apparel and footwear.  

Also, a $5 coupon for Exchange mall concessions or kiosks, and an entry for the worldwide sweepstakes. 

“LIKE CHRISTMAS”  

Delgado said it was like Christmas when he learned he was named a winner. 

“I was really, really surprised,” Delgado said. “It was like Christmas or something.”  

“We’ve only entered one time, but never thought we would actually win,” said proud father Maj. Brown. “We really appreciate the program.”  

NEXT DRAWING 

The next drawing will take place in June. To enter the drawing, shoppers can complete the form on the back of the gift card and mail it to: You Made the Grade, P.O. Box 227398, Dallas, Texas 75222-7398 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka