Huntington senior Josiah Melendez is headed to SUNY Morrisville in upstate New York to play football and study business. He intends to thrill college crowds just like he did at Blue Devil Stadium.
One of the most popular members of the high school’s Class of 2022 and a highly regarded Blue Devil football teammate, Mr. Melendez was a great running back for Huntington. His quickness and ability to cut and change directions kept would be tacklers off balance.
“SUNY Morrisville offered me an opportunity to play the sport I love the most, which is football,” Mr. Melendez said. “I will study business in my years in Morrisville. As I discover myself in college, I would like to be a coach or run my own business.”
In addition to playing football, Mr. Melendez earned varsity letters with the winter and spring track and field teams. He is an upbeat young man, polite and respectful with a great sense of humor.
“Huntington High School teachers and staff have prepped me by motivating me to not stop and keep going,” Mr. Melendez said. “I feel as ready as I can be. I plan on getting into the football team and to keep myself busy.”
The teenager has plans to travel to Puerto Rico with his family following graduation. “I can’t wait to experience a new land, especially since I am half Puerto Rican,” Mr. Melendez said.
The senior had some special Saturday afternoons with the Blue Devil football team, bringing the crowd to its feet more than once when he would break tackles and sprint down the field. Some of those runs covered more than 90 yards.
“What makes Huntington is the people in Huntington,” Mr. Melendez said. “I have grown up with some amazing families in this community that have always given a helping hand to myself or to my mother. They say it takes a village to raise a child and some of the families in Huntington have proven that.”
A familiar face around Huntington’s hallways, Mr. Melendez always has something to say. He is an articulate and personable young man with plenty of friends surrounding him.
“I have enjoyed my experience in Huntington because it has helped me grow into the man that I am becoming today and for the future,” Mr. Melendez said. “Thank you to Huntington High School, teachers and staff members for my growth and experiences. Thank you to my Huntington family.”