MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- "Why I like Being a Military Kid", was the title of a recent essay contest sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services, in which four talented students received a $250 Marine Corps Exchange gift card, Aug. 23.

The winners of the contest that was geared at preparing students for the upcoming school year were, Joseph Purdy, Miguel Andazola, Mark Ribott and Alexa Massey.

Although this back-to-school promotion is over, there are still plenty of opportunities for the children of Camp Pendleton to participate in another rewarding activity to get them back in their studies.

Marine Corps Community Services, in conjunction with the base’s MCX, is scheduled to kick off its ninth annual Super Star Student Program, Sept. 30.

The Super Star Student Program is an incentive tool that keeps students striving to make good grades by rewarding them throughout the school year. The program aims to stimulate study-habits and improve knowledge and learning abilities, said Mary Visperas, customer service representative, Marine Corps Exchange.

Students in grades six through 12, who obtain a “B” average or above, are eligible to participate. Home-schooled students are encouraged to partake as well. They will have the chance to win Marine Corps Exchange gift cards worth up to $500, a U.S. savings bond up to $1,000 and other prizes.

To receive rewards during the 2010-2011 school years, students must bring their report card from the last grading period to any Marine Corps Exchange customer service office to receive a scratch-off card that reveals a variety of prizes. 

“Our goal is to keep the children of Camp Pendleton enthusiastic about their grades and overall education, said George Ladd, retail director, MCCS. “ We are always so impressed with the number of participants we get every year.”