Jahmar Francis Captures Peter Steen Memorial Scholarship

Jahmar Francis is this year’s recipient of the Peter Steen Memorial Scholarship Award. The Huntington High School Class of 2024 member plans to attend Monroe College in The Bronx in the fall and run on its track team.

The Blue Devil varsity multi-sport star was announced as this year’s Steen scholarship recipient at the 56th annual Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. He received a handsome plaque along with a $1,000 stipend. Mr. Steen’s family was on hand to make the formal announcement.

“A member of Huntington’s Class of 1979, Mr. Steen suffered a devastating spinal cord injury during the summer preceding his junior year and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life,” master of ceremonies Michael Schwendemann said. “Despite missing an extended period of school time as he underwent intensive rehabilitation, Mr. Steen was still able to graduate on time. Voted Huntington High School’s Homecoming Day king in 1978, he later earned an undergraduate degree at Stony Brook University and worked as a stockbroker, financial planner and inventor.”

Mr. Steen was seriously injured while playing in a summer lacrosse game in the community. “He never lost his zest for life or surrendered his hope of walking again,” Mr. Schwendemann said. “As a Huntington sophomore, he had been the junior varsity football team’s leading rusher and the JV lacrosse team’s top scorer. When Mr. Steen passed away on December 9, 2016 he was mourned by his family and loyal friends and classmates. He will always be admired for his perseverance and positive outlook on life. He will never be forgotten at his alma mater.”

Mr. Francis has been a Huntington football star, but he’s really shined in winter and spring track and field, winning All-League, All-County, All-State and All-American honors.

“Jahmar is a great young man,” wrote Coach Ron Wilson in a scholarship nomination letter. “His attitude is always positive and his dedication to the program is second to none. He gained the respect of his teammates and his coaches because of his charismatic personality. He’s a natural leader that leads by example. He’s a Blue Devil that promotes integrity and sportsmanship at every track meet. Jahmar is the first to line up the team at the end of every meet to shake the opponents’ hand. He also takes time out to help his younger teammates better themselves in this sport. He is a captain that never complains. When he sees something that is wrong, he makes the necessary corrections. When equipment is left out, Jahmar is not one to just tell an underclassmen to take it in. Without hesitation or question, he has shown great responsibility in making sure all things are brought in. On the bus, he’s usually the last one off making sure that nothing has been left behind. He also reminds our athletes to clean up behind themselves, whether it’s at a track meet or on the bus. He understands that representation is important and is part of your participation in the program.”

Several members of the Steen family became emotional during the ceremony.