Allison Utting ’18 Burkhardt

Allison Utting ’18 Burkhardt of Hudsonville,
Michigan, who teaches United States history at West
Middle School in the Byron Center Public Schools,
was the state of Michigan’s recipient of a 2022 James
Madison Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the James
Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.

Recognized as one of America’s most prestigious
awards in constitutional history and government for
secondary teachers, James Madison Fellowships
support the graduate study of American history by
aspiring and experienced secondary school teachers of
American history, American government and civics. The
foundation offers only one fellowship per state per year.

The fellowships fund up to $24,000 towards a master’s degree to individuals desiring to become outstanding educators of the American Constitution. As part of the program, each fellow also attends a four-week summer institute (running June 11-July 8 this year) on
the Constitution held in Washington, D.C.

Burkhardt is pursuing a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in teaching American history and government through Ashland University. She anticipates graduating this coming Decembe