St. Mary's Educator Named Most Inspirational Teacher in the Riverbend

St Marys Open House & Enrollment.mp4

ALTON - Karen Crites, a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, was recently named the Most Inspirational Teacher in the Riverbend.

The Boys and Girls Club of Alton hosted their annual Boots ‘n Bandanas fundraiser in November and declared Crites the winner of this prestigious award. Crites teaches social studies at the middle school level at St. Mary’s.

Crites said she was “very surprised” when she learned her colleagues had nominated her and “shocked” to discover she had won. This year marks her 35th year as a teacher at St. Mary’s.

“I’m very pleased, very humbled,” she added. “I love St. Mary’s. It’s a family. I attend sporting events for the kids. I’ve been to their weddings and baptisms. It truly is a family, and I love being there.”

More like this:

Difference Maker: Alton Teacher Inspires New Hires

Aug 13, 2026

Vintage Voices Preps for Special 25th Anniversary Performances

4 days ago

CHS Alumnus Bryan Kitley Gives Back to School Community With New Scholarship and Support for Diamonds for Kahoks

Sep 5, 2026

St. Mary’s Students Honor September 11 Victims and Heroes

6 days ago

'Marry Me' Doughnuts Create Memorable Proposal At Duke Bakery

Sep 11, 2026