FORT BELVOIR – When Jorlan Delgado learned he was winning $1,500 from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, it was like receiving a surprise Christmas gift.
“I was really, really surprised,” Jorlan said. “It was like Christmas or something.”
The Sterling, Virginia, sixth grader was named the second-place winner of the Exchange’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes, which celebrates the academic achievements of military children. More than 1,170 students entered in the sweepstakes.
Fort Belvoir Exchange General Manager Kimberly Neiss and Store Manager Nanami Taniguchi presented Jorlan, and his family with the prize during a celebration Feb. 21.
“Jorlan is a great example of the many students who belong to military families: intelligent, resilient and determined,” Neiss said. “It’s an honor to celebrate Jorlan and the hard work he’s put in to making good grades.”
Jorlan’s favorite subjects include math, science and physical education. He is also on the basketball and soccer team at his school.
Jorlan is planning to spend some of his winnings on his family, but his first purchase was a pair of Nike Air Force 1s.
“I’m going to give each family member one gift,” he said. “The rest is for me.”
Parents Alanna and Maj. Jorge Delgado, Medical Readiness Command, East, said they were stunned to learn their son was named a winner.
“I had to show it to my wife and asked, ‘What do you think? Is this real?’” Jorge said. “We were very surprised and shocked, but we are very proud of Jorlan making the grade.
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 and other prizes. Students can then enter the worldwide sweepstakes for a chance at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The next drawing will take place in June.
Social-friendly version: Studying hard pays off! Fort Belvoir sixth grader Jorlan Delgado took home a $1,500 prize in the Exchange’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes.
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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 52nd-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, the Exchange benefit has provided $15 billion in value to the military community, including through contributions to 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 history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-6300 or [email protected]
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