Jordan Thorbourne 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 Jordan Thorbourne garnered 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 a typical award. He plans to play football at Nassau Community College.

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. Thorbourne, who smiled, nodded and shook hands, making it quite obvious how proud he was to be named as this year’s recipient.

“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.”

A Section XI Gold Key Award winner, Mr. Thorbourne starred on Huntington’s football, basketball and outdoor track and field teams. His leadership abilities made him a natural choice as the captain of multiple teams. He never failed to “show up” on game day for his teammates and fans. A wonderful role model for underclassmen, he has also completed more than his fair share of community service activities.

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.