MORE than 9000 Moora students, spanning three generations, remember Central Midlands Senior High School teacher Phill Farley for his deep sense of loyalty towards them and their education.
Humble and dedicated, these were just some of the words used to describe Mr Farley during an assembly last week to celebrate his 40 years of teaching at CMSHS.
He was still at the school until the end of 2013 when the motor neurone disease he was struck down with 12 months ago prevented him from continuing to teach.
The celebratory assembly was held at the high school last Thursday and past and present students and staff, family and community members attended the event with Shane Murray stepping up as MC.
CMSHS principal from 2000, Brett Hunt said Mr Farley left teacher's college in 1973 and started work in Moora in 1974 teaching manual arts.
He said Mr Farley "stood alone in his dedication to the school and students".
"He was a go-to person for me, he would start work at 6am and leave at midnight and he was a pillar of strength during the floods for the school, students and the staff he held dear," he said.
"For 40 years Phill has changed the circumstances around him to make it better; he is a teacher, a mentor and a very good mate."
CMSHS teacher Kylie Vanzetti said Mr Farley taught her brother and sisters, husband and children and taught generations of Moora people like her family.
CMSHS awarded Mr Farley with a book staff made containing photographs of his life, quotes from staff and students and awards he received over the years, including an Australia Day Council Award, nomination for the National Excellence in Teaching Award and a letter of thanks from the Midlands Education District for his help during the Moora floods.
He was a foundation member of the Moora Speedway, a regular competitor in the competition and helped students rebuild a racing Mazda in his transport class.
Photographs included one of Mr Farley, his wife Juanita and children Rachael and Daniel.
Lions district chairman for the exemplary service award Jill Middlemass and past district governor Rob Meney were at the assembly to present Mr Farley with a district exemplary service award for his dedication to students and his "selfless giving".
His brother Roger received it for him.
It is an award rarely given out.
They said: "Phill was often seen mowing peoples' lawns around town, a cup of tea his payment. Phill would be the first to put up his hand if someone was moving house. He would turn up with his trailer".
Mr Farley said after the assembly he was "humbled" by the celebration.
"It was fantastic to see all the students, staff and former staff and students," he said.
"I thank all involved for their efforts, hard work, time and kind words."
Mr Farley's family attended and his sister Judy Smith said they were all overwhelmed by the standing ovation at the end of the assembly.
"It was very moving, we all learnt a lot today, he was always aiming high and put in a lot of hard work, she said.
"It was a lovely recollection of his work in Moora."
CMSHS staff member Lynne Hurley said the assembly was a whole school effort.
"Thank you to our principal Steve Beaton who recognised our school community's need to hold an event to celebrate Mr Farley's contribution," she said.
