Capital City Classic Press Release:

The Capital City Classic formally announced its 2009 scholarship recipients and is proud to have included deserving beneficiaries from throughout the big bend region.

The annual scholarships were given to deserving university students to assist them with the cost of attending college. The scholarship committee bases their decision on recommendations from high school principals, the students' academic achievements, including grade point average and civic responsibility.

"In keeping with the Capital City Classic tradition of helping deserving young people in our community, we are proud to announce the 2009 honorees who have shown a dedication to academic excellence as well as a commitment to higher education," said Senator Al Lawson, Capital City Classic founder and chairman.

The 2009 recipients are William Henderson,Kierra Lewis,Bryant Simpson,Katessia Carr,Shawn Harris,Deveshia Blakely, Lamonica Mabry, Alexandria Colman and Alphaeus Knowles.

"I am very grateful to receive such an award, and I'm happy to know that the Capital City Classic is interested in the education of our youth," said Shawn Harris, a Godby High School graduate and freshman at Florida State University.

The Capital City Classic Foundation , along with Capital City Classic Basketball Invitational, has awarded $45,000 in scholarships over the past five years to deserving youths from throughout the Big Bend area and has also awarded over $86,000 to Big Bend area athletic departments to support high school student athletes.