LHS Alumnus of the Year
October 27, 1971
Each year as a part of Homecoming Week an “Alumnus of the Year” is honored at Lassen High School. This person is someone who has distinguished himself in his profession or through service to his community. Selected as 1971-72 Alumnus of the Year is Jack Ellena, Dean of Student Personnel Services at Lassen Community College.
Previous to his service at Lassen College, Ellena served three years as assistant professor at Los Angeles State College and three years as associate professor at San Fernando Valley State College.
Ellena was graduated from Lassen High School in 1949. While at Lassen, Ellena was involved in students activities.
He was Boys League vice president, a member of Future Farmers for two years, varsity football for three years and team captain one year, baseball for two years, track for two years, Block “L” for three years and an officer one year.
After graduation from high school, Ellena attended Lassen College for one
semester before transferring to UCLA. His educational background includes a B.S. degree from UCLA in 1955, an M.A. degree from UCLA in 1959 and a Ph.D. degree from Laurence University in 1971.
Honors acquired at UCLA included the following: Chosen member of the National All-American Academic Team. In wrestling he was the three time Pacific Coast heavyweight champion and captured fourth place in the 1953 national champions.
In football he was the team captain of the 1954 national championship UCLA team. Consensus All-American 1954. United Press lineman of the year 1954. Elected to UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame. All Pacific coast tackle three years. All-America football teams 1953 and again in 1954. Selected outstanding lineman of the 1953 Rose Bowl game.
Selected to play 1954 East-West All Star Shrine game and elected captain of the West squad. Selected to play in All Star Hula Bowl game 1955. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams when a junior at UCLA.
While with the Rams he made the NFL All Star Rookie Team, was starting middle linebacker on the Rams 1955 Conference Championship Team, played in the world’s championship game against the Cleveland Browns in 1955. He retired after three years due to injuries.
Ellena resides in Susanville with his wife, Jacquie, and daughters, Jill and Julie, and son, Jack.
