This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating a different kind of love—the friendships that began in the halls of Crete-Monee and grew into lifelong connections. Maybe you met your best friend in homeroom, bonded over Friday night games, survived finals week together, or stayed connected long after graduation. However it started, those friendships helped shape who you are today. We’d love to feature alumni stories that celebrate best friends, friend groups, and lifelong connections that started in high school. 👉 Share your friendship story with us by filling out our short form. Selected stories may be featured on our website and social media throughout February.  P.S. Please have all submissions complete by January 31st so we can highlight you in time for Valentine's Day!

On December 18, Teah Moore, a 2023 graduate of Crete-Monee High School, proudly returned to her roots at Balmoral Elementary School—this time as a role model and future orthodontist. She was joined by her family, including her mother, her father, Torian Moore (who attended Crete-Monee schools through his sophomore year of high school), and her sister, Trinidy Moore (‘19), who is a teacher’s assistant at Balmoral Elementary School. Teah Moore is now a junior at The Ohio State University, where she is studying Health Sciences on a pre-dentistry track. She is also a Dean’s List student, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. During her visit, she educated students on the importance of proper oral hygiene by engaging them with interactive, age-appropriate lessons. She also distributed hygiene kits that included a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste, and had the special opportunity to speak in her sister’s classroom. 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.