AAFES recognizes "You Made the Grade" winner

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Army and Air Force Exchange Services rewarded a local student for her hard work and effort in the classroom with a small ceremony at the installation's Base Exchange June 7.

Kacey Dwyer, daughter of Master Sgt. Daniel Dwyer, 354th Force Support Squadron, accepted a $3,000 savings bond as the second place winner of the "You Made the Grade" drawing. Students who 'made the grade' registered for a drawing to win a savings bond worth up to $5,000 by filling out and mailing an included entry form.
 
"'You Made the Grade" is a grass-roots program recognizing students with B averages and above and rewarding them with items from the Base Exchange," said Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks, Army and Air Force Exchange Service deputy commanding general. "This is one way we can reward excellence and provide a learning experience for the future of our nation."

As a student of Crawford Elementary School who has demonstrated academic excellence, the soon to be seventh-grader was grateful to win the award. After expressing thanks to all in attendance, the 11-year old mentioned the supporting cast to whom she owed a lot of her success, including family, friends, and teachers.

"I'd especially like to thank my teacher, Mrs. Lewis," said Kacey. "She's been a true inspiration."

The program's success can be attributed in large part to the extra motivation it provides students.

Students who've 'made the grade' receive a booklet of benefits. The coupon book is filled with discounts and freebees including free sandwiches, movie discounts and a chance to win a savings bond worth up to $5,000.

Winners of the program can consider the savings bond an early return on a lifetime investment. After all, hard work has already set these students apart from their peers.
AAFES "You Made the Grade" program has been well established for more than 10 years and continues to facilitate learning. It has helped students and parents prepare for tomorrow's challenges today by contributing to student's college funds.

"I would like to use the money for college," said Kacey. "I'm going to keep working hard in school and maybe [be] a vet one day."

Students can aspire to be positive examples like Kacey, who proved hard work really does pay off. AAFES has made learning fun by teaching kids that investing time in education can set them up for success.

Military families can contact their local exchange for more information about "You Made the Grade." Contact information is available through the "your exchange" link at www.shopmyexchange.com.