The Babylon School District is proud to posthumously honor William B. Williams of the Class of 1940 with its Distinguished Alumni Award. The award was presented to his son, Jeffrey B. Williams, during a heartfelt ceremony as part of Babylon-Junior Senior High School’s 2025 homecoming celebration.

William B. Williams, known simply as “Willie B.” to friends and listeners, was a legendary American radio personality on New York City’s WNEW for over four decades. He was best known as the host of the popular Make-Believe Ballroom and is famously credited with coining the iconic nickname “Chairman of the Board” for Frank Sinatra. For his major contributions to broadcasting, Williams was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2006.

Born William Breitbard, he graduated from Babylon High School before attending Syracuse University and launching his storied career. On air, he was known for his wit and charm, entertaining millions of listeners and rubbing shoulders with the biggest stars of his era.

Babylon’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Babylon Junior-Senior High School (BHS) graduates who go on to make an outsized impact on the world. Each year, community members have the opportunity to nominate an alumnus, and the award is presented—along with a plaque to be hung in the BHS lobby for generations of students to see—during the high school’s homecoming celebration.  

“Mr. Williams’s remarkable life is a testament to what we, as future alumni, can accomplish,” said student speaker Ali Maurino. 

“We are honored to present this award to Mr. William’s family and know that his legacy lives on within the walls of BHS and within the hearts of us all,” said Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza. Our inductee’s legacy reminds us of the power of education, community, and character—and serves as a inspiration for our students as they shape their own futures. Let us continue to celebrate our past, invest in our present, and inspire our future.”

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.