BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Several college students in Western New York are reaping the benefits of reading a good book – or better yet – tens of thousands of books.

Proceeds from the giant American Association of University Women (AAUW) book sale featuring 200,000 books earlier this month, were distributed Thursday evening in the form of scholarships. The scholarships were given to half a dozen local students during a celebration dinner at Sean Patrick’s Restaurant in Getzville.

Among the scholarship recipients was Jessica Hanes, a UB senior from North Tonawanda.  She received a $5,000 scholarship from the AAUW in honor of News 4’s Jacquie Walker.  This is the 14th year the group has given a scholarship in Jacquie’s honor to a student who excels in academics and community service. Jessica was presented with her scholarship by Jacquie Walker at the celebration dinner, with her mother and sister in attendance.

Jessica aims to become a physician with a focus on women’s health. She volunteers for a wide range of organizations and is currently a certified rape crisis victim advocate for the YWCA of Niagara County.

The AAUW will be collecting books beginning in September for next year’s used book sale.  Leaders of the group’s Buffalo branch say this year’s sale was one of the most successful ever.