Jesse Whaley Maxwell Elementary School's first Million Word reader will be recognized in a celebration at the school on Thursday Nov. 7, 2002.

Deja Stewart, a fifth-grade student in Jeanette Paone's combined fourth-fifth grade classroom, reached her first goal this week with the million words read. Deja feels that she will reach two and even three million words by the end of the school year. Her mother says the Million Word campaign has really encouraged Deja to read. “She always has a book in her hand at night and on the weekend,” said her mother.

All the staff and students at Maxwell are very proud of the school’s first Million Word Reader. The Maxwell students who have surpassed the 200,000-word mark will also be recognized.

Mrs. Sue Edwards, Denver School Board Member, also will visit Maxwell on Thursday to read to all 600 students via a closed-circuit television. She will begin reading at 9:05 a.m.; shortly after her reading Deja’s accomplishment will be recognized.

Mrs. Edwards will be reading a new touchstone book, “Scarecrow” by Cynthia Rylant.

Maxwell Elementary School is located at 14390 E. Bolling Drive in Montbello. Telephone: 303-576-6557.