Teah also reconnected with her former 3rd-grade teacher, Megan Schmidt, who still proudly displays a class photo from that year in the classroom—a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact educators have on their students.
Teah shared that her passion for dentistry stems from her desire to serve minority and underrepresented communities, particularly those who may lack access to dental insurance. She emphasized that maintaining good oral health is critical to overall wellness and disease prevention.
Teah’s connection to Crete-Monee and her efforts to give back are shared by the members of her family.
Trinidy attended Prairie State College and Northern Illinois University, and is currently completing her degree to become a certified teacher. As a teacher’s assistant, she is committed to giving back to the community that helped shape her. Having once walked the same halls as her students, she hopes to serve as a positive influence.
Trinidy credits her mother, who worked in education for many years, as her inspiration for pursuing a career in teaching.
Torian Moore also shares a strong connection to the district, having attended Crete Elementary School, Crete-Monee Middle School, and Crete-Monee High School. While at Crete-Monee High School, he served as the football team’s quarterback and has fond memories of his time in the district.
The visit was a powerful example of how Crete-Monee alumni continue to give back by educating, inspiring, and investing in the next generation.