Crystal clear choice Delphi resident Jenny Maxwell was recognized recently for her many years of work in the special education teaching field by the Education Foundation of Twin Lakes Inc. She was awarded the Crystal Apple Award for teaching excellence and was also presented a plaque. She taught at three Carroll County schools during her 28-year career. "This is such a great honor," she said when she received the award. Photo provided Delphi resident Jenny Maxwell already felt rewarded by doing what she loves - teaching special education at a neighboring school district. Recently she discovered how much others appreciated her work when she was awarded the Crystal Apple Award by the Education Foundation of Twin Lakes Inc.

During the presentation in April, Roosevelt Middle School Principal Scott Clifford said the award was presented to "a teacher whose goodness is apparent both in and out of the classroom." She was nominated by Clifford and other teachers then selected by a committee as the award recipient.

"Jenny Maxwell is truly one of Roosevelt Middle School's finest," Clifford said. "She truly feels that she has one of the greatest occupations in the universe."

Maxwell spent 28 years teaching special needs. She said her career blossomed when she discovered how much she enjoyed working with the students.

Her profession began with a temporary position at the former Pittsburg Elementary School from 1980 to 1982. She taught at the former Camden Elementary School from 1982 to 1983. She also worked at the former Hillcrest Elementary School in Delphi from 1997 to 2001.

She has taught at Roosevelt for the past five years, and almost all the other elementary schools in Twin Lakes School Corporation prior to then. Currently she has 13 students and three assistants. Two of those students are from Delphi Community School Corporation.

Maxwell said she attained her undergraduate degree at Indiana State University and master's degree from Purdue. Along with that training and her attachment to what she does, she said her teaching assistants were what really helped make it all possible.

"I'd like to thank the foundation for this honor. It is such a big honor for me," she said when she accepted the award. "I'm so fortunate to work with three wonderful gals in my classroom. I could not face the day without them."

Maxwell has three children, Lindsey of Phoenix, Ariz., and Paige and Alec, both of Delphi.