Courtesy Photo | Two local students turned strong report cards into major prizes through the Army & Air...... read more read more
FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Two local students turned strong report cards into major prizes through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s You Made the Grade program, earning second- and third-place awards in the worldwide academic sweepstakes.
Liam Pimentel, 11, a sixth grader at Antilles Middle School, won the $1,500 second-place prize. Jorge Dávila, 8, a third grader at Commonwealth Parkville School, earned the $500 third-place award. They were selected from more than 2,000 entries submitted by military children worldwide.
Command Sgt. Maj. Everett Sikes, garrison command sergeant major; Lt. Col. Eric Littlejohn, deputy garrison commander; Ulises Marrero, acting installation manager; and Fort Buchanan PX General Manager Rochelle Tolentino presented the awards Aug. 29.
Tolentino praised the students’ achievements.
“Behind every report card from a student in a military family is a story of hard work and perseverance,” Tolentino said. “The Fort Buchanan Exchange is honored to recognize Liam and Jorge. Their dedication in the classroom shows the resilience and determination of military children.”
A Lucky Keychain and a Strong Report Card
For Liam Pimentel, the win came with a little fun — and a little luck. His father, Chief Petty Officer and Chief Machinery Technician Yocar Pimentel, has served 16 years in the Coast Guard.
“I was shocked,” Liam said. “My mom bought a keychain in Hawaii that said, ‘Luck may return as money.’ Before we entered, we all kissed the card. I think the charm worked.”
His father shared the excitement.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” he said. “A lot of people fill out those applications. Last year he made honor roll and was top of the class. He is a really good student.”
The Pimentel family frequently visits the Fort Buchanan PX, where Liam often redeems his report cards for $10 or $20 You Made the Grade gift cards. “He wanted to fill out an entry form this year,” his father said. “Winning helps him buy what he wants — like the Switch 2.”
A First-Time Entry Turns Into a Big Win
For third grader Jorge Dávila, the sweepstakes was a first-time experience. Jorge is the son of Maj. Jorge Davila, who has served three years through a direct commission.
“It was unexpected,” said Jorge’s mother, Anna Bras. “This is the first time we entered. We didn’t know much about the program but decided to send in the form.”
Bras said Jorge maintains straight A’s and plans to use his prize toward a new iPad to support his schoolwork through Google Classroom. “He is very responsible with his classwork and a very intelligent student,” she said.
The Davila family visits the Fort Buchanan PX almost every weekend. “It is our place to get everything the commissary doesn’t sell,” Bras said. “We also feel safer visiting. It’s a friendly place.”
About the You Made the Grade Program
For more than 25 years, the Exchange has recognized military children in first through 12th grades for above-average academic achievement. Students who maintain a B average or higher (or the equivalent) can bring their report cards each grading period to their local Exchange for a $20 or $10 gift card and other prizes. Homeschooled students may also participate.
Students can submit report cards to enter the worldwide You Made the Grade sweepstakes for a chance to win $2,000, $1,500 or $500 gift cards. The next drawing is in December.
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| Date Taken: | 09.08.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2026 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 574082 |
| Location: | PR |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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