Celebrating a Babylon Legend

The Babylon Union Free School District is proud to honor Daniel Butler as the 2026 inductee into the Babylon Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

Butler enjoyed a successful athletic career at Babylon Junior-Senior High School, playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse before continuing at the University of Notre Dame, where he played lacrosse. He later returned to Babylon to coach lacrosse and basketball before going on to serve as an athletic director in several districts, earning recognition as Section 11 Athletic Director of the Year.

The Hall of Fame honors graduates whose character and contributions exemplify outstanding achievement in their professional lives and service to their communities. Superintendent of Schools Carisa A. Manza congratulated Butler, noting that the recognition was a testament to "the impact on countless students and athletes, an impact [that] will inspire future generations to come."

Ahead of the ceremony, the high school newspaper Panther Tales published a profile of Butler written by student journalists Alison Maurino and Maya Boduch under the guidance of advisor Sarah Schrieber. Maurino spoke at the ceremony, sharing highlights from the students' interview with Butler.

"Babylon's community doesn't exist anywhere else," Maurino recalled Butler telling her. Through reporting on the recognition, she said, she learned that Butler's sense of community guided his work as an educator and leader, and that he holds a deep belief that athletics are about more than competition. "They are about belonging, resilience, teamwork, and the relationships that shape us throughout our lives," she said.

Butler received a plaque commemorating the honor and addressed attendees. Jacie Chatterton, a member of the Distinguished Alumni Committee, offered closing remarks, reflecting on the ceremony as a celebration of the community, character and legacy the Hall of Fame represents for current and future Babylon students.

"Our inductee's legacy reminds us of the power of education, community, and character," Chatterton said, "and serves as an inspiration for our students as they shape their own futures."

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/ and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/babylonufsd.