Hoping to lighten their spirits, Cary Moore gives high fives to his students after they took a test on Friday. Now, the hard work of grading yet another test in his long career awaits him.

Moore has been a teacher at Granite Bay High School for around 22 years and is now retiring. As a teacher, he’s been helping students overcome their challenges by answering questions one-on-one, cracking jokes, and taking the time to improve himself, as well. Although math has been his sole subject over the years, to him, the subject isn’t what matters.

“I could probably teach lots of subjects,” Moore  said, “but it’s always been about (the) students for me.”

Throughout his career, Moore has fostered connections with students and created a friendly environment for learning. He dedicates his back wall to former students, putting college pennants up for the schools that his students end up going to.

“He’s definitely a teacher who you can expect a high five and a smile from in the hallway,” Anushka Kalyan said, a junior at GBHS and a former student of Moore’s.

Being the advisor of the Aeronautics Club, he also supports students in their extracurricular endeavors. Moore has created lasting connections with teachers at GBHS as well. One teacher he’s created a particularly close relationship with is Scott Becker, who also teaches AP Calculus.

“I truly enjoy working with (Becker),” Moore said, “he’s taught me a lot.”

Moore and Becker have been teaching the same class together for over 10 years. By supporting each other, the two Calculus teachers have been able to support their students as well.

“(Moore) really has the kids’ best interest at heart,” Becker said.

AP Calculus certainly doesn’t have a reputation for being easy. Even so, Moore has tried to make the ride as smooth as possible for his students.

“It’s not always been pleasant, I’m sure,” Moore said, “but I’m hoping that, in the end, kids learn that they can get better at something, and they can learn and progress.”

Not only has he been helping students through the not-always-pleasant journey of Calculus, but he’s also got a great sense of humor. Both students and teachers find his humor to be one of his shining qualities.

“He can be really funny,” Kalyan said, “I’ll miss that part of him a lot.”

His humor and friendly attitude have contributed to his connections with students and his ability to help them through their problems. Having dedicated time before and after school to helping students and giving quiz retakes for years now, Moore will be retiring at the end of this year.

“I’m sad and happy at the same time,” Moore said.

Moore has loved teaching for all these years, but he has a positive outlook on the future. Although Moore doesn’t know what he’ll end up doing when June rolls around, whatever he does, he can leave the school knowing that students and staff alike will miss him.