The Stennis Family Foundation will host its first annual golf classic on Monday, April 11, at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana tro honor the memory of former Palisades High football player Michael Stennis, who died of colon cancer in October 2003. Stennis (Class of 1976) was the starting quarterback of the Dolphins’ varsity team and earned All-Westside, All-League, All-City second team and team co-player of the year honors in leading his team to a 9-2 record. He went on to play quarterback and earn a Fine Arts degree at the University of Hawaii, after which he served as CEO of his family’s business, Golden Bird Resturant, which received recognition by Black Enterprise as one of the top 100 businesses in the country. Stennis was a one-time President of the Magic Johnson Foundation and was involved in countless community service programs. He also had aspirations of getting involved in politics. In 2004, the Palisades High Alumni Association gave away $1,000 in scholarships to Pali Seniors on Senior Awards Night, in Stennis’ name. The president of the alumni association is currently working with Pali High Principal, Dr. Gloria M. Martinez, to retire his football jersey number (No. 1) in the near future. Prior to his passing, Michael and his wife Erin formed the Stennis Family Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that provides educational outreach to individuals and families in minority communities about colon cancer awareness. Stennis spoke in front of groups of as many as 5,000 people. He was a beloved husband and incredible father to his son Michael, Jr. and daughter, Pilar. ‘The class of 76 was Palisades’ first graduating class that had been totally integrated by the busing program, which began when our class entered seventh grade at Paul Revere in September 1970,’ recalls Jeanne Jensen, Palisades High Alumni Association President and Class of ’76 graduate. ‘We embraced one another, learned from our differences, and grew in our similarities. This ‘blend’ of coming from mostly one race elementary schools allowed us to develope life-lasting friendships with other kids, just like us, who just happened to live outside of the immediate area. Skin color was not viewed as an identifer, and was a good lesson to learn at a young age.’ Jensen describes Stennis as ‘one of those unique individuals who was a friend to all, and he led by example.. He was voted ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Hot Rodder’ in our senior Surf.. and that smile’wow!’ In addition to being a talented football player, Stennis loved golf. His father was one of the first African Americans to join El Caballero Country Club in the 1970s. Michael participated in numerous charity tournaments and liked nothing better that to be out on the course with friends. It is no surprise, then, that The Stennis Family Foundation should chose this sport to be a part of its fundraising effort. Michael would have it no other way. ‘What I remember most about Michael is his smile — his wonderful, infectious smile that made you feel like all was right in the world because Michael was your friend,’ says Julie Avins Long, Girls Vice President of PaliHi’s Class of ’76. ‘What an honor it was to have known this man, and I will be forever grateful for his friendship.’ Another classmate, Neil Alper, shared another memory: ‘When I first saw Michael arrive at school in his Dino and he was dressed way better than anyone else. I couldn’t believe he was a high school student. He looked like a movie star or something. Whatever the cool garb of the era was, he was in it! He was cool in the best way. He was open, approachable and very friendly, while still being hip.’ To participate in the golf tournament, contact Jensen at Stennis Events@aol.com. To read more about the foundation, visit www.stennis.org.
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