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

The Eric J. Smalls Memorial Scholarship Fund celebrating 10 years of giving student athletes who excel in basketball monetary scholarships to pursue their degrees. Eric and two friends died after a crash on River Watch Parkway in 2015, but Eric’s Mother Frankie Simon told us he would be happy with what this program has become. 

“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!” And a lot of these children are still his friends he played ball with them. He’s still in the age range where he knew these actual athletes. And so to see them still going on and doing it in his name I know that Heaven is rejoicing today!” said Simon.

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