Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund
Background
Albert James “Big Luke” Lucas was born September 1, 1978, to David E. and Elaine H. Lucas. He passed away on April 10, 2005, from a spinal cord injury he suffered during a Los Angeles Avengers arena football game. He was married to De’Shonda, and had a daughter, Mariah.
Al was a native of Macon, Georgia, graduating from Northeast High School in 1996. Following graduation, he attended Troy State University on a full athletic scholarship, and shined as a defensive lineman for the Trojans. Throughout college Al studied hard and cherished his time on the field and in 2000 was awarded the distinguished Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in Division 1-AA. He was also an outstanding member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Al went on to join the National Football League, signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later playing for the Carolina Panthers. Later he joined the Arena Football League, playing for the Tampa Bay Storm, and finally the Los Angeles Avengers.
Al was a strong athlete with a heart of gold who believed in giving back to the community that supported him over the years. He especially loved working with children and served as a substitute teacher and coach at Northeast High School during the off-season. He was a member of Steward Chapel A.M.E. Church where he first learned the responsibility and power of tithing.
Al Lucas exemplified the characteristics of a scholar-athlete. He loved athletics, but knew his studies came first. He served his community and the Lord. He expected the best of himself and others. He excelled on the football field and in life. Recipients of the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship will reflect Al’s ideals and carry on his legacy of excellence.
Purpose
To honor the memory of Al Lucas by providing college scholarships to scholar athletes in Al’s hometown of Macon, Georgia.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a scholar athlete graduating from any Bibb County public high school with athletic programs. Currently, they are: Northeast, Central, Howard, Rutland, Southwest and Westside High Schools.
- Acceptance to an accredited two or four-year College or University.
- Preference will be given to students with financial need.
- Candidates must demonstrate a caring attitude, be of high moral character, and show characteristics of positive leadership and citizenship.
- Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be selected based on the following:
- Financial need
- Athletic accomplishments
- Academic success
- Personal character
- Extra-curricular involvement
- Potential to succeed
Additional Short Answer Questions and Attachments
On the last page of the application, you will select the Al Lucas Scholarship Fund and complete the following additional information:
- A short essay describing what being an athlete has meant to you while in high school, and how you see it affecting your life while in college and thereafter. Make sure to include which sport(s)/ team(s) you were a member of and any leadership roles you assumed while playing sports.
- Provide the names and email addresses of two references who have agreed to submit a letter of recommendation for you. One must come from a teacher, coach, or other school personnel. These people will receive an email from our system allowing them to submit your recommendation. Please ask them before submitting their email address and let them know when you have submitted your application because that is when they will receive the email.
- A resume listing your school and community activities, athletics, awards, offices held, and other relevant experience.
- Your most recent high school transcript.
- A current, submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report that indicates the value of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right hand corner.
Awards
Amount of Award: $1,000, non-renewable
Number of Awards: 7 per year. Two awards will be given to scholar-athletes graduating from Northeast High School, Al’s alma mater. One winner shall be female and one male. The other five awards will be given to student-athletes from each of the other five Bibb County public high schools. One will be awarded at each school.