Humphreys student wins $500 for his academic achievements

CAMP HUMPHREYS – Alexander Popovich’s academic achievements in 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 Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes. Alexander received his prize at the Camp Humphreys Exchange during a presentation 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, 11th grade, joined Camp Humphreys Exchange’s General Manager Vanessa Rowland, Camp Humphreys Store Manager Debra Melton and United States Army Garrison-Humphreys’ Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon Jr., garrison’s senior enlisted leader for the presentation.

Alexander and Travis, regularly earns $5 Exchange gift card by participating in the You Made the Grade program, which rewards students in first through 12th grades, to include home schooled students, who achieve at least a B average on their report cards. The gift cards include mail-in entry form into a 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, David 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 their community. According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, military children switch schools an average of three times more often than their counterparts and move six to nine times during their school years.

“You Made the Grade program definitely motivates him to get good grades,” David 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 and wants to work in cyber security. 

Photo Caption:
Camp Humphreys Exchange’s General Manager Vanessa Rowland and United States Army Garrison-Humphreys’ Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon Jr., garrison’s senior enlisted leader pose for a picture with Alexander Popovich, a 9th grader at Camp Humphreys High School who won $500 for winning 3rd place in the Exchange’s You Made the Grade sweepstakes. The Exchange has been rewarding students with a $5 Exchange gift card for maintaining at least a B average each quarter for the past 22 years with a chance to win $2000, $1500 and $500 in a worldwide sweepstakes in December and June.