Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Reading, writing and arithmetic are taking a back seat to electronics, clothes and toys at the BX as students cash in on the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "You Made the Grade" program.
Xavier Ferguson was presented a $5,000 Savings Bond from AAFES General Manager, Julie Cosby, Jan. 23. Mr. Xavier is the son of Tech. Sgt. Craig Ferguson, Cryptologic Systems Group NCO in charge of network services.
Initiated in February 2000, the BX's education rewards effort recognizes Lackland students for above-average academic achievement. Qualifying students receive a coupon booklet which includes free admission to an AAFES' Reel Time Theater, a free slice of Anthony's pizza with drink and a free magazine, and other coupons.
"It is important to recognize our military families' superior students," said Ms. Cosby. "They have faced unique educational challenges that most civilian students will never have to contend with. To be able to maintain academic excellence despite adversities such as moving regularly or having a parent deployed shows the resilience and resolve of these students as well as the quality of their teachers."
Each "You Made the Grade" booklet also contains an entry form for a quarterly savings bond drawing in which three winners are randomly awarded savings bonds of $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000. To receive the booklet, students present a valid military identification card and proof of an overall "B" or better average to an associate at the Lackland BX cashier cage.
Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card they receive, but may enter the savings bond drawing only once per calendar quarter. Families stationed at Lackland can contact the Main Store cashier's cage directly at 674-6465 for more information.
(Courtesy of the Lackland Main Exchange.)