FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — The Great Place showed off its stellar students as two Fort Cavazos students were named winners of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade Program for outstanding academic achievements.
First-place winner, 15-year-old Aaliyah Harris from Harker Heights High School, earned a $2,000 Exchange gift card. Third place and a $500 gift card went to Hannah North, an 11-year-old from Fort Cavazos’ Audie Murphy Middle School.
Aaliyah was presented with her gift card by Sales & Merchandise Manager Reatha Stockton on Oct. 6 at the Clear Creek Exchange here.
“I’m so happy and still can’t believe it,” Aaliyah said. “I always try to excel in all my classes and it’s great to be acknowledged for it. I plan to buy a new laptop that’s been on my wish list for a very long time and save the rest for a rainy day.”
She was joined by her father, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Tariq Harris, mother and retired Sgt. 1st Class Verneecia Harris, and sister Aalaynah.
“The You Made the Grade program celebrates kids’ excellence in making good grades,” Tariq said. “Our girls take pride in their academics and receiving this award from the Exchange means a lot.”
Third-place honoree Hannah North was presented with her gift card Sept. 22 by Store Manager Maria Berrios Borges at the Clear Creek Exchange.
Hannah was joined by her family, including her father, Maj. Benjamin North, a military police officer at Fort Cavazos.
“I worked really hard to keep my grades up so I could earn my gift card,” Hannah said. “I studied and did extra work after school. I plan to buy some candy for me and my best friends, then buy needed items to give to local nonprofit organizations.”
Hannah’s mother, Katie, beamed with pride.
“We are so proud of Hannah and all of her hard work to get good grades which has really paid off,” said Hannah’s mother Katie. “She worked hard all year to keep her grades eligible for this program. She is so excited to have won this gift card and I can’t wait to see what she buys.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program honors military students in first through 12th grade for their resiliency and hard work.
“The PX team is so proud to have two of our own earn this exciting award for their outstanding academic achievements,” said Fort Cavazos Exchange General Manager Charlyne Morganfield. “The You Made the Grade program is an excellent way to honor our youngest heroes and encourage them to excel in the classroom.”
Military students who maintain a B average or higher can bring their report cards each grading period to their local Exchange for a gift card and coupon sheet. Students can then enter the biannual worldwide sweepstakes for a chance at a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Drawings take place in December and June. For more information, visit aafes.com/about-exchange/you-made-the-grade/.
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