The
PHAA congratulates the five 2005 graduating seniors
who were the recipients of the 2005 PHAA Grants.
In 2004, The PHAA
decided that each year, we would like to recognize an alum that left
their imprint on Pali in one way or another.
This year we have decided to give a scholarship in the
name of an alum who passed away in 2003. The scholarship is given by the
PHAA and not the individual's family or foundation. However,
families may donate funds to have their family member recognized. Again,
once we develop this program, we'll post information. In the particular
case of this year's selected alum, the family and foundation would like
to see an on-going scholarship given in the alums name and would like
for their foundation to match our funds. We will be working on this
throughout the year.
This year the scholarship money is being divided
between a Community Service Award, a Performing Arts Award and an Athletic
Scholarship is being given in the name of Michael Daryl Stennis -
Class of 1976.
We selected a former outstanding student, a Pali star
quarterback and an alum who went on to achieve great things in his
participation of community service. He was a family man, a businessman
and was considering a future in politics. He was a one-time president of
the Magic Johnson Foundation and along with his wife founded the Stennis
Family Foundation.
The PHAA couldn't quite come up with how to best
combine a scholarship for athletics and community service, so we split
the scholarship in half. It was important to Michael's family that
a student with good grades, who participated in sports and excelled in
the Community Service Program at Pali was recognized.
Michael's story was featured in our spring 2003
newsletter, see below.
He lost his battle with Colon Cancer in October 2003. For more
information on Michael and the work he was involved with, please visit
the foundation's website The Stennis
Family Foundation.
The PHAA's Board of Directors wish to thank Erin Stennis
for allowing us to go forward with this project. Erin is an amazing lady
with a life-force to equal that of her beloved husband and I am proud
to work with her and to grow our friendship.
Update to Senior Awards Night 2004
-
Six members of Michael's
Stennis family were in attendance at Senior
Awards Night. They were given front row seats in the packed full Mercer
Hall
(thanks to Aileen in the College Center who heads up the event). The
ladies
(including Michael's daughter) were given roses (as were our scholarship
winners) and Michael's two children were given football T-shirts donated
by
Coach Leo Castro (Football Coach/Athletic Dept.). Michael's
children were
presented with a keepsake, a free standing star shaped acrylic plaque which read
"Our Star" Michael Daryl Stennis
The Palisades High Alumni Association
proudly remembers our fellow dolphin.
Class of 1976 - Bicenturians
Michael's son (12) clenched on to
that star and would not let go! We are delighted that we brought
Michael's memory to light and have given him a lasting dedication...
Coming Soon the
story that was featured in the Palisadian Post, March 2005 about the
First Annual Charity Golf Classic in Memory of Michael Stennis.
Here is the story that
appeared in the Dolphins,
spring 2003.
- All-Star Football Player Opens
Heart To Help Others -
Michael Stennis ('76) was one of Pali's all-time
amazing star quarterbacks, and all around athletes. He was well-known
and liked, with the smile and personality of a real charmer. He was
voted a "hot rodder" in the 1976 Senior Poll, because of the care he
drove, a Ferrari. After Pali, Michael went on to play quarterback at the
University of Hawaii. Today, he refers to his days at Pali as "the good
old days."
Michael, is a long-time prominent business owner. He
has political aspirations with powerful connections and strong ties to
his community. Then, in 2001 Michael found new meaning in what otherwise
was a devastating situation. He had long ignored the symptoms ailing him
because "I thought I was invincible." Still very much the athlete,
Michael believed he was in great shape and ignored early symptoms,
passing them off as other things. By the he was diagnosed, he would
learn he had stage four colon cancer. Michael would soon be in for the
fight of his life. He underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. Despite
the serious and on-going symptoms caused by the disease, he is doing
quite well. He has after all, a very strong conviction, a positive
mental attitude, focus and drive.
Soon thereafter, he and his wife, Erin, would become
the founders of the Stennis Family Foundation. The goal is to educated
others, help increase their knowledge about early prevention, and
provide monetary support. "Knowing about your family history is key, as
genetics play a large factor," Michael says.
Each month Michael and Erin speak at a different church
to spread the word about colon cancer. In April, Michael spoke to 5000
congregants at the City of Refuge Church in South Central, L.A. "We are
working closely with the American Cancer Society, as we make these
monthly presentations," says Erin. Another area of focus for the
foundation is to fund colonoscopies for individuals who do not have
health insurance. The average cost of a colonoscopy is $1,000.00. "We
don't want anyone to miss out on getting this procedure done." Lastly,
The Stennis' plan to offer and fund a retreat for individuals and their
families who are battling cancer.
As always, Michael is out in the world making a
difference. He has everything to live for! We applaud Michael for using
his life, knowledge, passion and courage to help others. Those who know
Michael understand that he has always had that something extra, that
something special. We send him and his family our love, and keep all of
them in our thoughts and prayers.
The Stennis Family Foundation is working on raising the
necessary funds to continue with their work. If you are interested in
gaining more information about colon cancer, volunteering, or making a
donation, please contact the foundation at (323) 930-0150 or by visiting
www.stennis.org.
With the
permission of Erin Stennis I have included a part of
Michael's Journey in Life from Michael's services. Even in
parting, that day was a celebration of Michael's life.
Michael Daryl Stennis, born April 8, 1958 in Los
Angeles, California to Willie James and Zelma Miles Stennis. On Sunday,
October 27, 2003 Michael departed this life to join his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ.
Michael D. Stennis was known as a fierce competitor
with natural athletic abilities. Michael's competitive nature began with
the Baldwin Hills Youth Football Organization where he was the "star"
quarterback for over seven years, and continued throughout his years at
Palisades High School where he lettered in football all three years.
Michael's athletic skills earned him "All American" honors in high
school. He was recruited by the University of Hawaii where he played
from 1976 - 1980. Although the University of Hawaii usually ran the
ball, Michael led the team in total offense in 1980 with 1,070 yards. He
is ranked 15th in school history in career passing with 1,673 yards.
After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts,
Michael returned to Los Angeles to run the family business - Golden Bird
Enterprises - founded by his parents Willie and Zelma Stennis. As CEO of
the company, Michael successfully guided the Golden Bird Restaurant
chain to recognition by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top 100
businesses in the country.
In 1989 Michael married Erin Broyard, his beloved wife
of 1f4 years. To this union they were blessed with two wonderful
children Michael Daryl, and Pilar Vivianne.
Michael's passion for community service led to his
appointment as President of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which is
dedicated to supporting community-based organizations and developing
programs that serve the educational, health, and social needs of those
residing in inner-city communities.
In 1994 Governor Pete Wilson appointed Michael to the
Board of Trustees of the California State University where he diligently
served the board in a variety of leadership roles, including chair of
the Committee on Collective Bargaining, where his skill at negotiation
proved invaluable; the Committee on Campus Planning, Buildings, and
Grounds, where he helped to facilitate the physical design of Cal State
University (CSU) campuses. In addition, to his committee tasks he served
on the Presidential Selection Committee for CSU Dominguez Hills and was
instrumental in bringing the Home Depot Sports Complex to that campus.
In May 201, as a testament to his dedication and
commitment to the postsecondary educational process, Michael was
presented and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from California State
University, Monterey Bay.
When Michael was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in
November 2001 he again directed his energies to community service. Along
with his wife Erin, he formed the Stennis Family Foundation whose
mission is to educate the African-American community on the early
warning signs of colorectal and other cancer-related diseases.
Michael personified courage, elegance and love with a
unique soul and spirit. Michael's family and friends describe him as
"deeply loyal", charismatic, with a smile that could light up a room and
brighten your soul.
On a
personal note:
I knew of Michael in high school. I think almost
everyone from our class did, but I can't say I knew him well. We didn't have classes
together, didn't ride the same bus, didn't hang-out with the same crowd,
didn't live in the same town.
When I was looking for a story for the spring 2003
story, I went to Michael. I had heard about his foundation but I didn't
know the seriousness of the disease, or just how ill Michael was. I had
no clue that within eight months Michael's life on this earth would end.
He never talked about how ill he was. He was proud, deliberate, strong
and dedicated to his family and his beliefs. His work, his foundation
was his focus and he was going to put his all in to it before it was
time to say good-bye. I spoke with Michael many times on the phone and
in learning the truth of what was going on, I was amazed. I understood
why Michael had an impact on so many people. He was never anything but
positive.
Attending Michael's service's had a profound impact on
my life. It was a
celebration of life unlike anything I'd ever been a part of.
Today, I am in contact with Erin Stennis and will in
the future be personally involved with the Stennis Family Foundation,
helping to organize events to raise funds and awareness.
- Jeanne
James "Coach" Paleno, the current Basketball/Golf coach
at Pali High said that "every Pali Alum should know who Michael is!"
Coach Paleno, having graduated from Hamilton in 1977 has long known of
Michael.
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