Chamber honors third-grade teacher at Hermann’s St. George
Gina Crabtree has taught 596 third-graders during her first 34 years at St. George School in Hermann.
And that’s just the beginning.
“Mrs. Crabtree’s impact cannot be measured solely by years or numbers — though both are impressive,” said St. George School Principal Amy Schebaum. “Her true legacy is found in the countless former students who still remember her lessons, her patience and the way she made them feel seen and valued.”
Mrs. Crabtree was honored with a 2026 Distinguished Educator Award from the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Schebaum presented the award this past spring at the Chamber’s Gerald Engemann Memorial Banquet, referring to Mrs. Crabtree as “a woman who has shaped generations of students at St. George Catholic School” and “a steady leader as our Head Teacher.”
Social media reactions to the award were unanimous:
“Congratulations to an awesome teacher! A well-deserved honor!” stated Jean Witte.
“I’ve always admired how you love your students and how you look forward to each new school year,” said Lori A. Henry.
“Very well deserved!” said Lisa Schulte. “I have seen her love every one of her classes since the beginning!”
“Best third-grade teacher ever!” said Jamie Jo Reidhead.
“Best teacher out there!” said Brendon Cole.
Mrs. Schebaum asked some of Mrs. Crabtree’s former students to describe her in just one word or phrase. Common responses included “dedicated,” “motivating,” “caring,” “inspiring” and “ray of sunshine.”
“They remembered how she made learning fun — especially the space unit, complete with a tin-foil spaceship over the classroom door — and class traditions shared across generations, like the guessing jar and a read-aloud of The Boxcar Children,” said Mrs. Schebaum.
Former students also spoke of her legacy — teaching multiple generations, being the welcoming face each morning, energetic, charismatic, and a gifted communicator.
“I can still remember the phrases she taught us to help us learn math,” one former student responded. “I use them in my career today when I work with numbers all day.”
“That is the mark of a truly great teacher: lessons that last a lifetime,” said Mrs. Schebaum.
Mrs. Crabtree has understood since arriving at St. George School in 1991 that a Catholic school is about much more than academics.
“Through prayer, daily example and the way she treats every child with dignity and love, she has lived her faith and helped form not just good students but good people, rooted in faith, kindness and service to others,” said Mrs. Schebaum.
She congratulated Mrs. Crabtree for her years of unwavering dedication, her leadership and the hundreds of lives she has shaped through faith and education.
“You are a blessing to our school and a truly deserving recipient of this honor,” the principal stated.
