Shaw AFB High Schooler Earns ‘You Made the Grade’ Grand Prize

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE – The academic achievement of Arthur Moore IV is paying off in a big way: The Cardinal Newman 11^th grader has won a $2,000 Exchange gift card as the grand prize winner in the Exchange’s You Made the Grade program.

“I’m very grateful and thankful for winning,” Arthur, 16, said. “I was very surprised. After we submitted the form, I thought about it for a few days, then forgot about it until I was told I won.”

Arthur, the son of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Moore, who served 20 years, was presented with the award by Col. Christopher Bryant, 20^th Mission Support Group commander; Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Ester, 20^th Mission Support Group senior enlisted advisor; and Shaw BX Main Store Manager Terri Neiswonger on Aug. 22. Arthur was randomly selected from more than 2,000 entries.

“Military-connected students show remarkable resilience as they balance the demands of school with the unique challenges that come with military life, such as frequent moves and changing schools,” Neiswonger said. “Arthur’s success in the classroom is something to celebrate and deserves to be recognized.”

Moore said she was pleasantly surprised when her son was named a winner.

“I was really thrilled for Art,” Moore said. “It was a blessing for the family. He has two sisters, a twin and an older sister, that he’ll spend money on. It was the first time we submitted an entry, so I guess you could say he’s on a winning streak.”

Moore and her family stop by the BX regularly. When they visit, her children bring their report cards to score a $10 or $20 Exchange You Made the Grade gift card, discounts and freebies.

“My family always looks forward to the You Made the Grade program announcements,” Moore said. “We probably visit the BX three times week, sometimes almost every day. It’s very rare I’ll go into a civilian store.”

For more than 25 years, the Exchange has recognized students in first through 12th grades for above-average academic achievement. Military children who maintain a B average or higher can bring their report cards for each grading period to their local Exchange for a $20 or $10 Exchange gift card and other prizes. Students can then enter the worldwide You Made the Grade sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. The next drawing will take place in December.