{"id":2603,"date":"2016-08-10T10:39:22","date_gmt":"2016-08-10T15:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2603"},"modified":"2016-08-10T10:39:22","modified_gmt":"2016-08-10T15:39:22","slug":"top-winner-in-exchanges-you-made-the-grade-program-makes-her-final-entry-count","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2603","title":{"rendered":"Top Winner in Exchange\u2019s You Made the Grade Program Makes Her Final Entry Count"},"content":{"rendered":"

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Awards $3,000 in Prizes to Military Students \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>DALLAS \u2013 <\/strong>As a high school senior, Ashley Weston had one last chance at turning good grades into big rewards with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service\u2019s You Made the Grade program. In her final semester of eligibility, her persistence finally paid off.<\/p>\n

The 18-year-old took home the top prize in the Exchange\u2019s semiannual sweepstakes<\/a>, part of a program to reward military students for academic success. Ashley received a $2,000 Exchange gift card during a presentation at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Exchange on July 25.<\/p>\n

\"image\"\u201cIt was a miracle, honestly,\u201d said Ashley, who graduated this spring from Byron P. Steele II High School in Cibolo, Texas. \u201cI didn\u2019t think it would happen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prize comes at the perfect time. Ashley starts college this fall at Texas State University in San Marcos. With her winnings, she plans to buy a laptop and other supplies needed to start her college career off on the right foot.<\/p>\n

Ashley had been entering the You Made the Grade sweepstakes for years. Her father, retired Master Sgt. Darrell Weston, served in the Air Force for 24 years, retiring in 2011.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years we\u2019ve gone to the BX to get the coupon booklet,\u201d Weston said. \u201cThe program gives military kids the encouragement to do their very best.\u201d<\/p>\n

The worldwide sweepstakes also awards second- and third-place prizes. The West Point Exchange awarded a $1,500 gift card to a high school student. Third place, a $500 gift card, was presented to fourth-grader Logan Hicks<\/a> at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Exchange. Logan\u2019s father, Capt. Wayne Hicks, has served in the Army for 13 years.<\/p>\n

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor, praised the winners for their hard work.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Exchange is excited to reward these students for a job well done,\u201d Applegate said. \u201cHard work in school pays off\u2014and these winners prove that good things come to those who put in time and effort toward their education.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the Exchange\u2019s\u00a0 You Made the Grade program, first- through 12th-graders with a B average or higher are eligible to receive a coupon book filled with Exchange discounts and a sweepstakes entry form for a shot at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 prize. The program is intended to reward military students who excel in the classroom. Those who enter must be dependents of authorized Exchange shoppers. Shoppers can visit customer service at their local Exchange for a coupon booklet and sweepstakes entry form.<\/p>\n

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.\u00a0 To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/about-exchange\/public-affairs\/press-releases.htm<\/a> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.<\/p>\n\t

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