87R8803 BK-D By: Guillen H.R. No. 56 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Beloved teacher and band director Hector M. Cantu of the San Diego Independent School District passed away in January 2021 at the age of 50; and WHEREAS, The son of Eloy and Grace Cantu, Hector Cantu grew up with a sister, Ilize; he developed a passion for music as a child, and he joined the marching band at Premont High School, where he graduated in 1989; inspired to pursue a teaching career, he was employed by Premont ISD for 15 years before transferring to San Diego ISD; for the past six years, he served that district as assistant band director and head mariachi director, and he was proud to see his mariachi students excel in contests and eventually triumph at the state level in 2020; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cantu had a warm rapport with all his students, who affectionately called him "Mr. Sir"; beloved for his smile, his jokes, and his unwavering support and encouragement, he was selected as the Amazing Teacher for May 2019; and WHEREAS, While working in Premont, Mr. Cantu met Melissa Hidalgo, a fellow teacher, and they exchanged wedding vows in March 2020; in addition to his wife, Mr. Cantu was blessed with two sons, Jacob and Michael, and a daughter, Michelle; and WHEREAS, Hector Cantu had a positive and lasting influence in the lives of countless young Texans over the course of his career, and he will forever hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Hector M. Cantu and extend profound condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Melissa Hidalgo; to his children, Jacob Elijah Cantu and his wife, Raelynn Pena, Michael Tamez, and Michelle Renee Cantu; to his parents, Eloy and Grace Cantu; to his sister, Ilize Shimel Cantu; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Hector Cantu.