Secondary Educator Taryn Windheim was recognized in the spring with the exclusive James Madison Fellowship.

The award is given to one educator per state, and this is the first time the award was presented to a New York Educator outside of the New York City/downstate region. 

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers the $24,000 James Madison QAA Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. 

“Nothing will compare with the opportunity of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship. This Fellowship will support my continued learning of constitutional law, politics, and American government in service to the students I teach each year. I am grateful for this award and proud to bring it to Midlakes,” Windheim said.

On the heels of her incredible honor, Windheim was then part of the Founding Forward’s “Celebrating America at 250” teacher seminars in Philadelphia. She will be using the fellowship to earn a Master’s Degree in history at Gettysburg College. The Fellowship requires a month-long residency at Georgetown University next summer where all of the 50 fellows come together to learn from top scholars.

Windheim begins her fourth year at Midlakes this fall, starting in September 2023. In addition to her classroom work, she is active with student council, homecoming and also works with  Buoy, a registered two-year old Great Pyrenees therapy dog who visits campus regularly.