SIDNEY — Lauryn Foster-Wheeler received the James P. Humphrey Scholarship and Sylvia Hudson, Darryl McNeal Jr. and Eric Webster Jr. were awarded Black Achievers scholarships during the student awards assembly at Sidney High School, May 12.

The scholarships were named in honor of the late James P. Humphrey, Sidney’s first African-American mayor.

In addition to the scholarships awarded to graduating seniors, collegians Brandi Johnson and Mariah Bowser-Jones received educational grants to help them continue their post graduate educations at the University of Toledo and Wright State University, respectively.

The James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Committee (BASC) was established in 1987. It is independent and is not affiliated with any other local, state or national organization.

The objectives of the organization are to recognize and encourage African-American students who have demonstrated academic success, to provide incentives for them to continue their education beyond high school and to assist financially needy students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend college.

In 2002, the BASC was awarded the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award to recognize its “commitment to make a difference in the lives of those in our Black community.”

The BASC has also partnered with Edison Community College and the Ohio State University at Lima to provide additional money to scholarship recipients who attend those schools.

During the past year, the BASC received donations from individuals, businesses and grants. Since 1987, the committee has awarded more than $225,000 in scholarships to 152 Shelby County students.

Companies and individuals who wish to contribute to the Black Achievers Scholarship Fund may send their donations to BASC, P. O. Box 214, Sidney, OH 45365.