On Wednesday, March 18, Village Christian math teacher Aaron Cua tragically passed away, leaving behind a wife, three kids, and a legacy of love, integrity, and Godly leadership.
An online memorial service will be streamed by his home church, NewStory Church, this Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m. (click here to learn more).
Cua, 41, developed a sudden case of Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare non-communicable flesh-eating bacterial infection unconnected to COVID-19, that, despite doctors’ best efforts, shut down his organs.
The news came as a shock to the Village community after Cua, who was hired by VCS in 2018, participated in online training Friday, March 13 and had prepared to teach the following Tuesday.
He was a dedicated math teacher and faithful fan at student’s games and events. Many recall his love for playing basketball, and had just recently played in the school’s Faculty vs. Students game at lunch.
I had Mr. Cua for all my years in high school so far. He was such a great mentor and person, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for anyone better to have as a math teacher. A day didn’t go by where I didn’t laugh or smile in his classroom. The environment as amazing, and he was always so positive and funny and laughed along with us. He was hardworking and determined. I had so many great moments and memories with him. Rest in peace, Cua. Fly high.
- Powel Mousaian, 10th
Mr. Cua is going to be greatly missed within the Village community. Even though he may only be seen as a math teacher by some, he has taught me so many amazing life lessons that I will carry along with me forever. His classroom was always a safe, welcoming space that spread Jesus’s light throughout and I am going to miss seeing such an amazing man around our campus. Whether people had the chance to know him for a long or short period of time, it was clear how much he cared for his students. Village was truly blessed by Mr. Cua because I know he was able to make such a big impact on so many students lives, including me.
- Brooke Hudspeth, 11th
Mr. Cua was someone who emulated Christ in his compassion as well as through his patience. His ability to joke around with his students was something that made his class worthwhile. Whether talking about his kids’ judo tournaments or listening to students complain about their grades, he made his class environment where one could both laugh and learn. Though we didn’t know everything, his life story (as told to us during chapel) was one that inspired those to strive for greatness and reminded students that through Christ anything is possible Mr. Cua will be missed on campus but the legacy he leaves behind will be lasting.
- Xander Candib, 11th
Hearing the news of Mr. Cua’s passing was devastating and such a shock. At first it seemed fake and not real, but as the news spread it sunk in that he was gone. Thinking back to the times in second period where I would walk in almost shouting “Hi” and him smiling back and laughing, to listening to music, and learning in his class. He was such a gift to me. He was such a great teacher and someone I knew I could go to if I needed it. He inspired me to learn, and one of my favorite memories of him was when he turned on the scientific gospel video. Every long period we would watch it and he would give me a new insight on how he thought of the world and Jesus. He was an amazing Christian man, an amazing teacher, and a fantastic role model to myself and peers. My prayers go out to his family and kids. Mr. Cua is in a better place and celebrating with Jesus. Thank you for the positive impact you have had on my life.
- Garrett Kaszacs (9th)
Mr. Cua was a great teacher not just in helping us all pass the class, but you could tell he really wanted us all to succeed. He really understood us and worked with us and had our best interests instead of just his own. He really was more than just a math teacher. Even with math not being my favorite subject, I still always looked forward to that class and how it was a place for students to relax and be themselves while still learning. He will be greatly missed and I thank him for everything he did for me and all the sacrifices he made to continue to teach even through painful and stressful times. God gained an amazing person who impacted so many people to this day and will be remembered forever.
- Delaney Konjoyan (9th)
Cua’s commitment and care for his students and colleagues was undeniable.
Speaking with his wife, Julie, on Wednesday afternoon, she told the school that Aaron felt truly called to be at VCS and often told her how much he loved his students and wanted them to know God above all else.
We lift up his family in prayer, and rest in the promises that Cua is in Heaven and Our Loving Father will care for his family and all of us as we mourn. A GoFundMe has been set up in his honor.
Village Christian is a better place because of Mr. Cua. We honor him and thank the Lord for the time we had with this incredible teacher, friend, husband, and father.
If you have any special memories of Mr. Cua or messages of condolences, please send them to connect@villagechristian.org.
John 14:1-3
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Thank you to VCS student Lauren Chun for contributing to this article; photo by Mr. Harry Tom.