Heather Knight
Staff Writer
Family and friends gathered Tuesday afternoon on the steps of the Elmore County Courthouse located in downtown Wetumpka to award two Elmore County students with $1,000 scholarships.
These scholarships were awarded in the name of Derrick Lucas who lost his life to a heart attack at the age of 31.
Lucas was a 2007 graduate of Wetumpka High School, All-American in wrestling, a hopeful MMA fighter and he was known and loved by many in the community.
“I attended school with Derrick. He was a strong and good-hearted person. I am happy to support this cause,” said Desirae Lewis, Elmore County Commissioner.
The two scholarship winners were Jazmin Faulkner, who attends Wetumpka High School and Baukis Wise, who attends Stanhope Elmore High School.
In order to qualify for the Derrick Lucas Merit Scholarship Award, you must be involved in your community, have at least a 3.0 GPA., provide an acceptance letter, recommendation letters and write an essay stating why they deserve the scholarship award money.
When asked the purpose of the Derrick Lucas Merit Scholarship Award, Lucas’ cousin Latasha Jackson said, “The main purpose is to bring honor to his name and to bring awareness to mental health and heart disease. He was so young. He was so humble and so kind.”
They hope to make this a yearly scholarship program.
For more information follow their foundation online at www.facebook.com/SteveRoseOutreach
Derrick Lucas 
Derrick Lucas 
Jazmin Faulkner 
Baukis Wise 
