A Toast to Education includes the Middleton Award Ceremony, recognizing two extraordinary individuals for their dedication to education and child advocacy.
Educator Nominations
This award is presented to an educator who has positively changed the trajectory of children's lives through their role in the classroom. Educators working in schools in which By Degrees provides programming (currently Findley Elementary, Harding Middle, and North High) are eligible. Nominations for the 2024 Middleton Award for Educator Excellence are now closed.
Community Leader Nominations
This award is presented to an individual that, through their work, volunteer efforts, advocacy, public policy, or philanthropy, has made a significant positive impact in the lives of children in central Iowa. Nominations for the 2024 Middleton Award for Children's Advocacy are now closed.
A Toast To Education
The Middleton Award is presented to an educator and community member at our annual A Toast to Education: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders event. This year's event will be held from 4 - 6 PM on October 8, 2024 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. RSVP today!
About Joan & Lyle Middleton
Joan and the late Lyle Middleton are longtime Des Moines residents and children's advocates. They began working with By Degrees Foundation in 1990 and supported the second cohort of students in 1996. Joan and Lyle also established the Joan and Lyle Middleton Center for Children’s Rights at Drake University School of Law and endowed the School of Education’s Urban Education Program.