The Middleton Award
The Middleton Award is given to those who have positively changed the trajectory of children's lives through education, advocacy, mentoring, public policy, or other means. This award was created to recognize the community effort needed to ensure more children have access to resources that help them thrive.
Named for longtime Des Moines residents and children's advocates, Joan and the late Lyle Middleton, this annual award honors an educator and community member who have positively changed the trajectory of children's lives.
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Two 2024 Middleton Award recipients will be honored at an afternoon tea at 4 pm on Wednesday, September 25 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Event details will be provided soon.
The Middleton Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to children in central Iowa.
Educator Nominations
This award will be 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.
Community Leader Nominations
This award will be 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.
The Annual Awards Tea
The Middleton Award is presented to an educator and community member at our annual Middleton Award Tea. This year's event will be held from 4 - 5:30 PM on September 25, 2024 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Ticket prices include tea, light hors d'oeuvres, and admission for one educator. More information will be provided soon.
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.