From: Teonja Tatum
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Good grades pay off, especially for one lucky Autauga County Schools student.
Prattville High School 10th grader Gabriel Gomez won third prize in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s worldwide You Made the Grade sweepstakes for academic excellence.
His father, Lt. Col. Daniel Gomez, serves in the Space Force as a course director at the Air Force Global College.
“I’ve never had an experience like this in my life. It feels good for my hard work to finally pay off,” said Gomez. “I am grateful and would like to thank God for this blessing.”
Maxwell AFB Exchange Store Manager Elea Vournas presented Gabriel with a $500 Exchange gift card at the BX during a celebration.
“Military children experience lifestyle changes uncommon among most American families,” Vournas said. “The You Made the Grade program allows the Exchange to recognize those challenges and reward their achievements.”
Gabriel enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading and working as a lifeguard. He plans to purchase a new gaming console with his gift card.
The You Made the Grade sweepstakes has recognized and honored academic excellence since 2000 by awarding three outstanding students from military families each year with an Exchange gift card. This initiative celebrates the hard work and dedication of young scholars who go above and beyond in their studies.
For the fall 2025 semester, the You Made the Grade sweepstakes received more than 1,400 entries worldwide. To learn more about the program, visit the Exchange’s community Hub.
