DALLAS – Three military kids learned studying hard pays off as winners of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes.
Air Base Aviano third grader Lysander Brown, son of Maj. Dexter Brown, was presented with the grand-prize of a $2,000 Exchange gift card. Fort Belvoir sixth grader Jorlan Delgado, son of Maj. Jorge Delgado, received his second-place prize of $1,500. A Fort Johnson ninth grader earned the third-place prize of $500.
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.”
Air Base Aviano third grader Lysander Brown, son of Maj. Dexter Brown, was presented with the grand-prize of a $2,000 Exchange gift card.
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.
“We’ve only entered one time, but never thought we would actually win,” Maj. Dexter Brown, Lysander’s father, said. “We really appreciate the program.”
For more than 25 years, the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program has rewarded students in first through 12th grade for above-average grades to encourage and inspire them to continue studying hard.
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:
- 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.
- A free kid’s hair service at The Barber Shop, Hair Studios, or Stylique beauty salons.
- 10% off any pair of headphones (excluding Apple and Beats).
- 10% off apparel and footwear.
- A $5 coupon for Exchange mall concessions or kiosks.
- An entry for the worldwide sweepstakes.
“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.”
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
PO Box 227398
Dallas, TX 75222-7398
Social-friendly version: Three military kids won a combined $4,000 in the Exchange’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes for their hard work inside the classroom. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-2TG
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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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