Pearce alumni start charity

By Greg Davidson  

As the JJ Pearce High School Class of 1976 prepares for its 50th reunion, alumni leaders have organized JJP1976 as a charitable and educational public charity to support legacy work beyond reunion weekend.

“The class reunion brought us back together,” Michael Tannery said. “JJP1976 gives us a way to turn that reconnection into something that can bless students, families, and the broader community for years to come.” 

JJP1976 exists to engage alumni in coordinated philanthropic activities that may include scholarships, educational support, community development, resources for qualified individuals and charitable outreach beyond the class itself.

The initial board of directors includes Michael Tannery of Richardson, Kelli Wilson Henderson of Southlake and Greg Davidson of Austin. Dr. Mike Steffen of Tulsa has been elected to serve as president of JJP1976. 

“Recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, allows us to support JJ Pearce in a manner that was not available to us when we were students,” Dr. Steffen said. “As the seventh graduating class at Pearce there was no alumni to support us. Now, 50 years later, we are in a position to reach back and help.”  

The 50th reunion remains the immediate focus, with reunion weekend scheduled for October 2-4, in Richardson. But organizers say the larger vision is to use the energy of the 50th reunion to build an enduring structure for alumni generosity and school/community support.

For additional information, visit JJP1976.com.