Black achievers committee awards scholarships

SIDNEY — During Sidney High School’s Senior Awards Night, the James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Committee awarded over $14,000 in scholarships to six seniors from Sidney and Shelby County schools.

Sidney High School senior Kelis McNeal received the James P. Humphrey Scholarship for $3,500.

The Elder Claudie Johnson Scholarship for $3,000 was awarded to De’ Andreiona Lichtenberg of Jackson Center High School.

Four additional Black Achievers Scholarships, each in the amount of $2,000, were presented to:

• Mikayla Huckleby, Sidney High School

• Joelon Lyons, Sidney High School

• Jayce Daniel, Sidney High School

• Brayden Lee, Sidney High School

About the BASC

The James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Committee was founded on Jan. 29, 1987. As an independent, locally-based organization, BASC is dedicated to:

• Recognizing and encouraging academic excellence among African-American students

• Supporting students in pursuing post-secondary education

• Providing financial assistance to those in need who may otherwise be unable to attend college

In recognition of its impact, the BASC received the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2002 for its “commitment to making a difference in the lives of our Black community.”

The organization has also partnered with Edison State Community College and The Ohio State University at Lima to offer additional scholarship funds for awardees attending those institutions.

The committee was originally established to honor the legacy of James P. Humphrey, Sidney’s first Black mayor, who served three terms from 1981 to 1987. Founding committee members included Dorothy Franklin, Virginia Thompson, James Daniel, Rev. Claudie Johnson, Dale Locker, Ken Ruth and James Humphrey.

Current committee members include Jamal Foster, Erica Foster-Wheeler, Shamara Foy, Bryan Herd, Sharonda Johnson, Dianne Karas, Kevin Lee (associate chair/treasurer), Mardie Milligan, Tom Milligan and Oshea Peart (chair/school liaison). Advisors include Thomas Clark, Ken Ruth (charter member – 1987) and Maggi Williams.

Since its inception, the BASC has awarded nearly $225,000 in scholarships to nearly 200 students across Shelby County.

Support the mission

The Black Achievers Scholarship Fund continues to be supported by donations from individuals, businesses and grant organizations. Those wishing to contribute may send donations to:

BASC

P.O. Box 214

Sidney, OH 45365

More information about the Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Committee and past recipients can be found at www.blackachieversscholarship.com.