During the 24th annual Crystal Apple Awards, math teacher Jacqueline Parks was honored for excellence in teaching and recognized as an outstanding teacher in the San Dieguito Union High School District.

The Crystal Apple Award was given by the Del Mar Stake Public Affairs Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After receiving hundreds of letters from students around the area recognizing teachers, the Public Affairs Council narrowed it down to one award recipient for the local middle schools and high schools in the district.

To celebrate her achievement, Parks and her family were invited to a VIP reception where the award was presented to her by the president of the Del Mar California Stake.

“It was truly a lovely and memorable evening,” said Parks.

This year, was a big year of change in Parks’s teaching career after previously teaching middle school for 25 years.

“Last year I decided it was time for a change, and my goal was to return to high school and come to SDA,” said Parks. “I felt I was a little out of my comfort zone, having spent the majority of my career in middle school. I quickly realized that my comfort zone is being in the classroom with students, regardless of their age.”