Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Albert James "Big Luke" Lucas, a Macon, Georgia native who was an outstanding scholar-athlete at Northeast High School and Troy State University. Al was a defensive lineman who earned the Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in Division 1-AA, played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers, and later in the Arena Football League. He tragically passed away in 2005 from a spinal cord injury during a game. Al exemplified the characteristics of a scholar-athlete, believing that studies came first while also serving his community as a substitute teacher and coach during the off-season. This scholarship provides financial assistance to scholar-athletes graduating from Bibb County public high schools in Macon, Georgia, who reflect Al's ideals and carry on his legacy of excellence. Recipients must demonstrate athletic accomplishments, academic success, high moral character, positive leadership, and citizenship. The scholarship supports students attending accredited two or four-year colleges or universities. Seven awards of $1,000 each are granted annually. Two awards are designated for graduates of Northeast High School (Al's alma mater), with one female and one male recipient. The remaining five awards go to one scholar-athlete from each of the other five Bibb County public high schools with athletic programs: Central, Howard, Rutland, Southwest, and Westside High Schools. Selection is based on financial need, athletic accomplishments, academic success, personal character, extra-curricular involvement, and potential to succeed.