A lifetime of service came full circle on Tuesday evening as West Babylon Senior High School renamed its library in honor of former Senator Owen Johnson.
The ceremony, which featured nearly 100 guests including past school district superintendents, local government officials and current high school students, honored the lifelong West Babylon resident for his over 40 years in the New York State Senate.
Johnson, 83, grew up on the former farm land the current senior high school resides on and school officials found it only fitting to name the school's library after him, said West Babylon Superintendent Anthony Cacciola during the ceremony.
"I can't really think of anyone else who is synonymous to West Babylon than Owen Johnson," Cacciola said. "I can't think of anyone else who has done more for West Babylon or the Town of Babylon. He has been a friend of the West Babylon Schools... and I estimate that over the years he secured over $1 million in grants for our programs."
He added: "You will always be our senator from West Babylon. We thank you for being 'Mr. West Babylon.'"
The new library entranceway features a wooden bordering and name plaque above its doorway reading "Owen H. Johnson Library" was made by students in the high school's industrial arts program.
A painting of Johnson during his time in the senate as well as old photographs showing his family's farmland and his time in the early West Babylon schools will also reside in the library.
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