DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service gave top marks to three young military students in the You Made the Grade sweepstakes.
Fourth grader Fatima Sylla received her grand prize of a $2,000 Exchange gift card at a presentation at the Vicenza Exchange at U.S Army Garrison Italy.
Second-place winner, sixth grader Reilani Perez, received a $1,500 gift card at the Fort Riley Exchange after she and her family recently PCS’d from USAG Humphreys, and high school junior Kamille Ouano won a $500 gift card at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Exchange as the third-place winner.
“I’m going to share the money with my family, buy some school supplies, a few Lego sets, and save the rest of the money,” Fatima said about her plans for the $2,000.
The winners were randomly selected from more than 850 military children who were eligible to enter the drawing by maintaining at least a B average in school during the spring semester.
All three winners are daughters of active-duty Soldiers. Fatima is the daughter of Maj. Mamadou Sylla, Reilani’s father is Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aladino Perez, and Kamille’s father is Lt. Col. David Ouano.
“The You Made the Grade program exemplifies how the Exchange supports military families in a way no other retailer can,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “It’s an honor for the Exchange to recognize the resiliency of these three young women, as well as all military children.”
The Exchange’s You Made the Grade program rewards students in first through 12th grades for above-average academic achievement to inspire them to continue striving for excellence. Military children who maintain a B average or higher can bring their report cards each grading period to their local Exchange for a gift card. Students can then enter the worldwide sweepstakes for a chance at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.
“The program is awesome and a good incentive for kids,” said Sujeiry Perez, Reilani’s mom, whose three other children also participate in the You Made the Grade program. “They all love going to the PX and walking up to the customer service desk to show their grades and get the gift card, which they usually spend right away.”
The Exchange is increasing the program rewards for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students with straight A’s will receive a $20 gift card and an Exchange coupon sheet. Students with at least a B average will receive a $10 gift card and an Exchange coupon sheet.
The next sweepstakes drawing will take place in December.
Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.5 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs.
The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor, and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange’s history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter.
Marisa is a PR executive and writer in the Public Affairs department at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
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