Humphreys Student Wins $500 for His Academic Achievements

CAMP HUMPHREYS – Alexander Popovich’s academic achievements during the 2021-2022 school year earned him a $500 payday and a lasting memory.

The Humphreys High School freshman won the third-place prize—a $500 Exchange gift card—in the Exchange’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes. Alexander received his prize at the Camp Humphreys Exchange during a presentation on Jan. 20.

Alexander’s father, recently retired Air Force Master Sgt. David Popovich, his mother, Jennifer, Osan High School Virtual Technician, and older brother Travis, 11^th grade, joined Humphreys Exchange’s General Manager Vanessa Rowland, Humphreys Store Manager Debra Melton and United States Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon Jr., garrison’s senior enlisted leader, for the presentation.

Alexander and Travis regularly earn $5 Exchange gift cards by participating in the You Made the Grade program, which rewards students in first through 12th grades, including home-schooled students, who achieve at least a B average on their report cards. The gift cards include a mail-in entry form for the worldwide sweepstakes held in December and June for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card.

“Alex has always been a great student and makes the honor roll,” Popovich said. “Every quarter, my wife has me send in their entries but I never thought either of my kids would win.”

The You Made the Grade program is one of many ways the Exchange gives back to the community. According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, military children change schools an average of three times more often than their counterparts and move six to nine times during their school years.

“The You Made the Grade program definitely motivates him to get good grades,” Popovich said. ”He always looks forward to picking up his gift cards every quarter.”

Alexander plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Air Force. He wants to work in cybersecurity.