Exchange ‘You Made the Grade’ program rewards military students for academic excellence

According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, the average military child will move six to nine times during a school career — three times more often than children whose parents do not serve in the military. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is commending the achievements of young scholars at Scott AFB with its “You Made the Grade” program.

First- through 12th-graders — including homeschooled students — who maintain a B average or higher, are eligible for a $5 Exchange gift card every grading period during the 208-19 school year. To receive their gift card, students must present a valid military I.D. and proof of qualifying grades during any grading period at the Scott AFB Exchange customer service area.

“The Exchange is honored to reward the academic achievements of military children,” said Danita McFarland, Scott AFB Exchange general manager. “Military students work hard to succeed in the classroom. The ‘You Made the Grade’ program proves their diligence and resiliency pay off.”

Students who make the grade can enter the worldwide sweepstakes to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Since February 2000, the Exchange’s “You Made the Grade” program, has rewarded nearly 200 military students for their academic achievements through prizes worth nearly $550,000.

The sweepstakes entry forms are found on the back of the “You Made the Grade” gift card sleeve. Students can send completed forms to:

You Made the Grade

PO Box 227398

Dallas, TX 75222-7398

Students can submit one sweepstakes entry for each grading period. The first drawing of the 2018-19 school year took place in December 2018, with presentations made at Fort Campbell and Vandenberg and Seymour Johnson Air Force Bases. The next drawing will be in June.

This story was originally published May 22, 2019 at 10:51 AM.