Exchange Honors Military Students With $4,000 for Stellar Academic Achievements
The Exchange honored three hard-working military students for their academic excellence during the fall 2019 semester with $4,000 in prizes.
Atticus Conlin, 8, won the grand prize, a $2,000 Exchange gift card, which was presented at the Fort Bragg, N.C., Exchange. Atticus’ father, Army Maj. Christopher Conlin, recently deployed for the fourth time.
“I was really excited when I found out I had won,” the third-grader said. “I jumped around the room and even hugged my big sister. I’d like to buy some Nerf guns, a new baseball mitt, and maybe a phone. I’ll definitely buy some candy to share with my sisters too.”
(A video of Atticus learning of his prize can be found here.)
Collin Sedillo, 7, received his $1,500 second-place prize at the Kirtland AFB, N.M., Exchange and plans to spend it on a Nintendo Switch and Pokemon cards. The first-grader’s favorite subject is science and he loves to draw comics and kickbox in his free time. Collin’s father, Jordan Sedillo, is an Iraq war Army Veteran.
(Watch a video of Collin receiving his prize here.)
The third-place prize, a $500 Exchange gift card, went to 11-year-old Danielle Tomoka Choi from Fort Meade, Md. The fifth-grader loves to run marathons, practice ballet, play the piano and participate in her school’s band as a flautist.
Danielle plans to give her younger sister Emily half of her winnings so they can both enjoy her prize. Her father, Maj. Brian Choi, a National Guard member, has served in the military for 12 years.
“Military kids move so often it can be difficult to keep their grades up," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. "These children have proven that they are adaptable and committed to their academics. The Exchange is proud of their achievements.”
The You Made the Grade program rewards students in first through 12th grade for above-average academic achievement to inspire them to continue striving for excellence.
Military children who maintain a B average higher can bring their report cards each grading period to their local Exchange for a $5 gift card.
Students can then enter the worldwide sweepstakes for a chance at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The next sweepstakes drawing will take place in June.
