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“30 Years of Excellence” Celebrated at Dr. William Farley Retirement Bash

WEST ORANGE, NJ – Nearly 200 family, friends, educators, township officials, former and current students, and community members gathered to honor Dr. William Farley and celebrate “30 Years of Excellence” as he prepares to retire. The event was held at the Wilshire Grand on June 4.

In addition to being named West Orange High School’s Teacher of the Year for 2022-23, Dr. Farley has enjoyed a storied career, teaching 22 years at West Orange High School after eight years at Irvington High School. He has served as the Music Director for the Honors Chamber and Tenor/Bass choirs, Piano Lab Instructor, and General Music classes. Extracurricular activities include advisor and director of the Jubilee Choir (an auditioned group), and coach/advisor of the award-winning Boys Step Team. In 2021, he received his Doctorate Degree in Worship Studies from Liberty University, along with a Bachelor’s from Westminster Choir College and a Master’s at Montclair State University, both in Music Education.

Dr. Farley and his wife Vanessa entered the event preceded by members of the WOHS Boys and Girls Step Teams. The evening featured a concert performed and directed by former alumni of both West Orange and Irvington High Schools, and students currently in Farley’s classes. Several graduates, now pastors and music ministers, credited Dr. Farley with changing their lives. The evening was emceed by Joana Bernard-Awumey and Betty Jean. They, along with WOHS staff Dr. Kim Mancarella, Joanne Duncan, Catherine Connors, and Michelle Brown organized the event.

Following dinner, several speakers feted Dr. Farley for his many talents, character, and impact he made on their lives. West Orange Supervisor of Fine Arts Lou Quagliato, teacher/coach William Barbieri,Vanessa Farley, pastor, family members, and a surprise speaker, Okieriete Onaodowan, a former student of Dr. Farley, who originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in “Hamilton,” starred in “Grey’s Anatomy,” and currently in “Station 19,” shared stories and heartfelt love.

“I never felt dismissed by Dr. Farley, only encouraged,” Onaodowan said.

“I literally am who I am because of the kindness and the warmth that you showed me at the time that I needed it most,” he noted.

In addition to Onaodowan, many students have gone on to music education, pastorship, and successful careers in music and theater, including:

Warner Miller, a stage and screen actor who got his break in “American Gangsta,” “Luke Cage,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Manifest.”
James Gibbs, a renowned trumpeter, music producer, bandleader, and educator.
Gabriella Rodriguez, WOHS singer and theater star who toured in the “Color Purple” nationally in 2019-20.
Melody Ector, now a session keyboardist in the Los Angeles area.

“I love him so much and I’m so proud of him,” gushed wife Vanessa.

“God has blessed us,” she continued. “He’s a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, and he’s wonderful to all of us.”

“This has been a journey,” began Dr. Farley, “and when I walked in and saw all the faces, it just moved me. 30 years as an educator has put so many young lives in my path and so many memories … I really can’t thank you enough for coming out to support this scholarship effort.”

A scholarship in Dr. Farley’s name will be given annually to graduating seniors in music and/or step.

This year’s recipients, all from West Orange High School, were Ezra Simon, James Tibang, Abraham Barianger, and Mecca Abdus Salaam. WOHS Art teacher Nicole Krulik was also recognized as the first coach of the Girls Step team.

After retirement, Dr. Farley plans to give lessons, continue to write music, and perform in his church.

At the end of the 1995 film, “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” Holland is laid off from his 30-year job as the music teacher at the local high school. He always had plans to write a great “opus”, as he called it, but the starts and stops of life always seemed to get in the way and caused him to wonder what his life really meant.

As he entered the auditorium on his last day, he was surprised by a crowd and orchestra comprised of current and former students onstage. The governor, also a former student of Holland’s, says “I think he has achieved success far beyond riches and fame. Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each one of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony, Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and notes of your opus. And we are the music of your life.”

While Dr. Farley may not miss the long hours, he will always be able to hear his song, played out by those whose lives he touched.

See photos of Dr. Farley's retirement celebration HERE.

See the program HERE.

See a video clip of the musical performances below.