On the first day of school, you walk into class and see chairs at a table and wonder who you will sit next to. Front? Back? Maybe middle? As you look around the room, you spot your teacher, a welcoming person ready to introduce you to biology.

Jacob Cantu, beloved science teacher at Fresno Christian Schools, was ready to start a new school year when he got a job offer in late July from Caltrans, inviting him to be the project biologist in their environmental science department. The role of his job is to make sure that the wildlife doesn’t die when they are doing construction. While Cantu pondered whether he should take the job or not, he finally decided to pursue it.

“I knew it was going to be a hard transition but I knew that it was a next step, a next chapter in life that I was gonna embark on,” Cantu said.

Cantu was a beloved teacher, who taught at FCS for four years, welcoming every student in class. He also created the Chess Club during his time at FCS. The students really loved Cantu. Some of the now sophomore boys last year wore shirts with Cantu’s face on them. He also helped with the drama productions and was part of the music team for the plays.

K’lanna McArn, ‘26, has known Cantu for three years. His class helped introduce her to the science world. McArn also got to know Cantu better when he helped with the production “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”

“I really wish that he stayed, but I hope that he just continues to be successful and encouraging to people and just filling the world with light and leaving a smile on peoples faces like he did with us,” McArn said.

Cantu was close with his students; he had a board with pictures and invites to grad parties. Cantu always made tests a little more fun than other classes. He put memes on the front page of the tests and went through the study guide thoroughly to make sure all the students understood. Cantu loved teaching and especially making class fun with activities and labs to help understand the work.

“I miss all my Fresno Christian family, thank you all for the great four years that I’ve had there. Each class was great, every year’s been great,” Cantu said. “I’ve enjoyed every class, all the students have always been respectful and amazing, and I’m gonna miss you guys the most.”

Leave your favorite memories or messages for Cantu in the comments below.

To read more from The Feather go to 2023-24 Year in Review or Cross county season begins on the heels of success.