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MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Al Lucas Foundation marked a significant milestone Thursday afternoon, celebrating 20 years since its inception during its annual scholarship luncheon at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
Family, friends, community leaders, and supporters gathered to honor the late Al Lucas’s legacy, including Lucas’s parents, David and Elaine Lucas, and his wife, De’Shonda Lucas. The event not only reflected on Lucas’s life and impact but also recognized the achievements of seven local high school seniors from Bibb County who received scholarships in his name.
This year’s Al Lucas Scholarship recipients included Micaiah Howard and Destinee Waller from Northeast High School—the school housing the football facility named after Lucas—along with Donald Williams (Howard High), Ambra Cystrunk (Central High), Joan D’Aguilar (Rutland High), Kaila Lucas (Westside High), and Aidan Young (Southwest High).
During the luncheon, several scholarship winners shared how the award will impact their futures.
“It means a lot to me,” said Howard. “I’m very blessed and thankful for the Al Lucas Scholarship. It’s helping me out with college and academics. I’m going to Clayton State University to play football, and it’s going to help me out tremendously. It’ll help out a lot of kids coming up from similar or tougher backgrounds.”
Another recipient, Joan D’Aguilar, reflected on the emotional significance of the scholarship, saying, “Memorial scholarships are a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life. I think everyone who received one is very deserving. It’s also a moment of self-reflection—you can see yourself in Al Lucas’s life. That’s powerful.”
De’Shonda Lucas also spoke on the foundation’s journey and the lasting impact it continues to have on the Bibb County community.
“Approaching 20 years brings a deep sense of joy,” she said. “The legacy continues, even as we see Bibb County’s athletes achieve great things. Al stood for perseverance—and 20 years reflects just that. He’d be proud of his family, of me, and this entire community. Bibb County is the core of who I am, and it always feels good to give back.”
Lucas highlighted the community’s support, including local pastors, educators, and the superintendent, all of whom attended to honor the scholarship recipients.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary, the foundation announced a fundraising goal of $20,000. De’Shonda encouraged the public to contribute, emphasizing that the scholarship program embraces all Bibb County public high school students, regardless of background.
“There are no borders,” she said. “Every student in Bibb County—male, female, every race, every religion—is represented by the Al Lucas Scholarship Award.”
The Al Lucas Foundation continues to honor the life and legacy of the former professional football player, whose memory lives on through the success of the students inspired and supported by his name.
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