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Faculty Spotlight: Mr. Farrell
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March 16, 2022HN’s theology and technology teacher and national champion esports coach, Mr. PJ Farrell has dedicated his life to teaching and learning. A graduate of St. Vincent College, Cleveland State University, and Cuyahoga Community College, he holds a bachelor's in Catholic theology and religious education, a master’s in sports management, and certification in computer maintenance technology.
After teaching at Benedictine High School for five years, Mr. Farrell joined the HN faculty, where he has remained for the last 10 years. Currently, he teaches Gaming Concepts, Intro to Computer Science, Intermediate Computer Science, Media Production, Senior Theology, and Web Design. He also serves as the head freshman baseball coach, head esports director, mascot director, and ski club moderator.
Mr. Farrell recalls having to work very hard for his grades in school, and he credits that experience with inspiring him to become a teacher. He says, “I’ve always enjoyed trying to make learning easier for other students.”
His teaching career began in the theology department. He describes the subject as “incredibly fun to teach” and loves engaging in discussions with Catholic students who are still learning their faith and non-Catholics learning about the faith.
Mr. Farrell remembers being passionate about technology from an early age, but he wasn’t able to pursue the subject professionally until later in life. He has always sought to incorporate technology into his teaching, though. Currently, he utilizes computers and laptops, Chromecast, SNAP!, and Visual Studio Python.
No matter the subject, Mr. Farrell says, “When I am able to explain something to a student and it clicks, there’s an inexplicable joy I receive!”
His favorite lesson is his family budget project in his theology classes. This lesson helps seniors understand how difficult adulthood really is and how much their parents have sacrificed for them.
Mr. Farrell’s favorite memory at HN was starting the esports program and winning Holy Name’s first national championship.
In his free time, Mr. Farrell enjoys playing video games, board games, Dungeons & Dragons, and travel baseball.
He urges his students to “be persistent in life. It’s not a matter of whether you’ll win. It’s just how long someone else is willing to put up a fight."
