By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Some people teach for a living. Others leave a legacy that continues long after they step away from the classroom. Mrs. Jeanne Crookston is one of those educators.
 

After 26 years of faithfully serving the students and families of Fredonia, Mrs. Crookston officially retired in June 2026, closing a remarkable chapter that has touched countless lives in our community.

Mrs. Crookston began her teaching career in August 2000 and spent every one of those 26 years at Fredonia Elementary School. Throughout her career, she primarily taught kindergarten but also taught second, third, and sixth grades. She later shared her passion for education with future educators by teaching Early Childhood Education at both the high school and community college levels. As a reading and literacy specialist, she helped lay the foundation for generations of young readers, giving children the confidence and skills they would carry throughout their lives.
 

When asked what inspired her to become a teacher, she immediately remembered her own fifth grade teacher, who believed in her before she believed in herself.

“My fifth grade teacher saw something in me that I did not see in myself,” she shared. “She encouraged me not to be afraid to be different and to be a leader.”

That encouragement became the very gift Mrs. Crookston would later pass on to hundreds of children.
 

Throughout her career, she found joy in the simple moments that often go unnoticed by others.  Whether it was watching a student finally understand a difficult concept, hearing children laugh during a silly classroom activity, or seeing the growth that happened over an entire school year, those everyday experiences reminded her why she chose this profession.
 

Among her proudest accomplishments was helping students learn to read. More than teaching letters and sounds, she gave children a strong literacy foundation while creating a classroom where they felt safe, loved, and supported through consistency and structure.
 

Although every class held a special place in her heart, Mrs. Crookston fondly remembers her very first kindergarten class because it was then she realized she had found exactly where she
belonged.

Her love for Fredonia has remained just as constant.

“I know not everyone loves our school, and that’s okay,” she said. “But I love it. It was my home.  It is where I felt cared about and valued for many years. It will always be a big part of my heart. I

will always be true blue.”

When asked what she will miss most, her answer was not about lesson plans or classroom routines. Instead, she spoke about the hugs from students, walking through hallways where everyone knew her by name, and the friendships she built with colleagues over the years. Those relationships, she said, are the memories she will treasure most.

Those who had the opportunity to work alongside Mrs. Crookston describe her as a dedicated educator, supportive colleague, and compassionate mentor. She willingly shared her experience, encouraged those around her, and consistently placed students at the center of everything she did.
 

Teaching also taught Mrs. Crookston valuable life lessons. She believes it strengthened her patience, perseverance, empathy, and appreciation for community. She hopes future educators remember that while teaching is deeply rewarding, caring for themselves is equally important.

“As much as we love our jobs and our students, we need to remember to set boundaries,” she advised. “Take a mental health day when you really need it and don’t feel guilty. We can’t fill
anyone else’s cup if ours is empty.”

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, her answer was simple yet powerful.

“I hope they remember that I cared, that I loved, that I made a difference, and that I stood up for the underdog. Find the joy in the journey. Find something to laugh about every day.”

Retirement will bring exciting new adventures. Mrs. Crookston plans to move to Cedar City to be closer to family, spend time with her grandchildren in Texas, become involved in her new community, and finally enjoy a slower pace of life—with no more paperwork or professional development sessions.
 

Before closing this chapter, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her journey, including her first principal, Dr. Barnson, her mentor teacher Pam Young, her colleagues, her parents, and her husband, whose quiet support behind the scenes made her work possible for many years.
 

Her final reflection beautifully captures what it means to dedicate a lifetime to education.

“The days can be long, exhausting, and often thankless, but the years go quickly. Cherish the good memories, the friendships, and the small victories because they make it all worth it.”

As Fredonia Elementary begins a new school year without one of its longtime educators, there is no doubt that Mrs. Jeanne Crookston’s influence will continue to be felt in the classrooms, hallways, and hearts of those she served. The children she taught, the colleagues she mentored, and the community she loved are all part of the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
 

Congratulations, Mrs. Crookston, on your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for 26 years of unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and faithful service to the children of Fredonia. Your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.