New ‘Good Grades Equals Good Food’ Program Rewards Honor Roll Students Territory-Wide With Wendy’s Meals

Senator Avery Lewis on Monday launched a new student incentive program in partnership with Wendy’s U.S. Virgin Islands, using free meals to reward academic achievement and encourage stronger classroom performance among elementary school students across the territory. The initiative, unveiled at the Wendy’s in Four Winds Plaza on St. Thomas, is called “Good Grades Equals Good Food” and is aimed at recognizing kindergarten through fifth-grade students in public and private schools who make the honor roll, while also encouraging them to continue striving in the classroom.

According to the announcement, eligible students will receive one ticket redeemable for a free kids meal at Wendy’s. The tickets may be used from May 29 through July 5.

Senator Lewis said the program is intended not only to reward academic success, but also to help motivate students to keep improving.

“This is a really great, this joint partnership between my office and Wendy's USVI,” Senator Lewis said. “Good Grades Equals Good Food is going to build competitiveness in the schools. I think it's going to increase grades, and anything that we can do to reward our students for their hard work and dedication towards their studies, we will."

From left to right: Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Senator Avery Lewis, and Wendy's Manager Paul Lockhart. (Credit: Gov't House).

He added that such recognition can help students push further. “It ensures that they do a little better and that will also make them thrive," he said.

According to Senator Lewis, the tickets will be distributed to school administrators, who will then provide them to qualifying students.

The tickets may be redeemed at Wendy’s locations on St. Thomas or St. Croix, Lewis stated. Looking ahead, he said he hopes the effort can expand in future years to include additional businesses.

The program was introduced with support from Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who joined Senator Lewis and Wendy’s for the launch on Monday. Wendy’s Manager Paul Lockhart was also present for the announcement.