AUGUSTA, Ga. () – A local student athlete’s legacy being honored again Thursday in Augusta.

The Eric J. Smalls Memorial Scholarship Fund is marking its 10th anniversary of awarding monetary scholarships to student athletes excelling in basketball as they pursue their degrees. Eric and two friends tragically lost their lives in a crash on River Watch Parkway in 2015, but Eric’s mother, Frankie Simon, expressed that he would be pleased with the program’s progress.

“He’s looking down right here today now jumping around saying ‘mama, mama, you did it again. You did it again! Look at my friends!’ Many of these children are still his friends and played basketball with him. He’s still within the age group where he knew these athletes personally. Seeing them continue and achieve under his name, I know Heaven is rejoicing today!” said Simon.

The scholarship has awarded over $15,000 to more than 31 students. Congratulations to Jasmine Jones of Burke County High and Brayla Harris of Butler High for being this year’s scholarship recipients.