2022 Jaidon Joseph Smith Educational Scholarship Award Recipient

Maxwell joined the GT/LD program very early in his school career, and he owed a lot to the program. Most importantly, the GT/LD program helped him be more social. Before he joined the program, he had only two or three friends. That number increased greatly after only a year of being in the program. He was able to connect with fellow students who had similar challenges. He developed a sense of community with his fellow GT/LD students. As a senior in high school, he was part of multiple communities and had more friends than he ever thought he would have when he was in elementary school. This program helped him learn to build connections and have a happy social life.

The GT/LD program helped him grow educationally as well, particularly his writing. Writing for school had always been a great challenge but the supports from this program allowed him to craft beautiful essays that he wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. While extended time and other accommodations were a great help, the greatest resources the GT/LD program provided him were his case managers. They were always there to help him work through challenges. The assisted with difficult essays, switching classes when needed, providing regular check-ins, and many other supports. His case managers consistently pushed him to face new challenges and were acquaintances he could relate to. He appreciated their work and kindness with words, and recognizes that they were undoubtedly a major reason for his academic success.