David Dax Captures Paci Family Football Award

The Paci family is synonymous with Huntington High School football. The Paci’s have been associated with the Blue Devil gridiron program in one way or another for more than 50 years. So when David Dorilus Dax won this year’s Paci Family Football Leadership Award and the personalized plaque and $500 stipend that goes with it, he knew this wasn’t just any old award.

The scholarship was presented at this month’s Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. Hundreds of seniors, parents and district officials attended the festivities.

Dr. James Paci and his father, John P. Paci, Jr. attended the festivities and presented the award to Mr. Dax, who smiled broadly at being honored.

“The Paci Family Football Leadership Award honors a family that for three generations has been integrally involved in the Blue Devil football program,” master of ceremonies Michael Schwendemann told the crowd. “It is presented to a player who exemplifies everything that the Paci family holds dear: Scholarship in the classroom; leadership on and off the field; an unquenchable desire to win; sportsmanship and fair play; fun in competition and high personal standards along with an admirable set of goals.”

Mr. Dax starred on Huntington’s football, indoor and outdoor track and field teams, overcoming many challenges, including two broken collarbones in football. He was named a Distinguished Senior and served as a social justice ambassador, Varsity Club executive board member and mock trial team member.

“There is not one person in the building that doesn’t know David Dax,” Blue Devil coach Ronald E. Wilson said. “He has a smile that brightens the building and a kind and high-spirited personality that would make your day better. I am so proud of him both on and off the field. He is one who thoroughly prepares himself to meet and exceed the challenges that life offers. He meets each challenge with enthusiasm and confidence in himself.

John Paci, Jr. coached the Blue Devils for many years and his sons, John Paci III and James Paci both starred on the team at quarterback. John Paci IV was the most recent family member to wear a Huntington uniform. He earned All-State honors at quarterback before heading off to Lafayette College.

Mr. Dax plans to study economics and finance at Stony Brook University in the fall.