AAFES rewards local youth who 'Made the Grade'

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Offutt family member Alonna Smith was presented with a $5,000 savings bond during a "You Made The Grade" presentation ceremony at the base exchange here May 25.

"I think it's really cool and awesome that I won," said the daughter of Tech. Sgt. Melissa Smith from the 55th Medical Group. "I worked hard for my grades, and it's neat to see it pay off."

Now in its tenth consecutive year, the "You Made The Grade" program recognizes students who achieve a "B" average or better with a benefits-filled booklet. Students who make the grade can also register for a chance to win a savings bond worth up to $5,000.

"It's simple: learning pays," said Anna Stanton, the base exchange's general manager. "Promoting the benefits of a good education is what makes this program so important to us and the community we serve. This effort represents an investment in our nation's future."

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, military children, especially those with deployed parents, face stresses that often result in higher rates of school absenteeism and failure.

Keeping these challenges in mind, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service established an educational rewards program that continues to receive high marks from students and parents alike.

"I think the AAFES 'You Made The Grade' program is a wonderful program for military children," said Sergeant Smith. "This $5,000 savings bond will make a very nice addition to Alonna's college fund. She was very excited to find that she had won."

The "You Made The Grade" program is another AAFES initiative to help support servicemembers and their families. The exchange also returns earnings to the military community by supporting morale, welfare and recreation programs. Roughly two-thirds of the exchange earnings are paid to MWR/Services programs each year.

"I hope this program will continue rewarding children that work hard to keep their grades up," said Sergeant Smith.

For more information about "You Made The Grade," call the exchange at (402) 291-9100.