DONALD MIDDLETON

Many children, people, and organizations in Bay City, Michigan have greatly benefited from Donald Middleton’s time, dedication, and devotion. He and his wife have three children of their own, and they have nurtured and loved more than 90 foster children in an 11-year span.

Donald Middleton and his wife have served as foster parents longer than any foster parent in Bay County. Of the 90 children, they have legally adopted three. One daughter adopted them once she turned 18. They presently have eight children living in their home, ranging in age from nine to 17. Foster children that have lived with them still come back “home” even after becoming adults and starting families of their own. “The best reward for being a foster parent is watching these kids succeed,” stated Mr. Middleton.

Middleton has also made an impact on other children with the Boy Scouts for the last 15 years and a ScoutMaster for the last 8 years. During that time, 10 boys have graduated to the level of Eagle Scout, a title that he also holds. Middleton leads weekly meetings with his troop of 25 boys, plans monthly activities and weekend outings, and uses one or two weeks of his vacation each summer to take the scouts on a trip. In 1997 as well as this summer he is taking the boys for two weeks on an education trip to New Mexico. He is also a certified water-ski instructor and uses these skills to teach the boys scouts as well as others.

Middleton also serves as Squad Leader for the Bangor Township Reserve fire department where 20 reserve firemen report directly to him. He responds to all structural fires in the area and also serves as an Emergency Medical Technician for the department. In this position, he provides monthly training sessions for the other firemen and conducts community education classes. He has served in this role for 21 years.

Using his training as an EMT, Middleton serves the Bay County Red Cross as a certified CPR and Advanced First Aid trainer. He has taught first aid skills to the Boy Scouts, the community, and to employees at S.C. Johnson assisting the Medical Department. He has served as an instructor in this field for 10 years.

For seven years, Middleton has been the wrestling coach for children in elementary and junior high school. He was instrumental in starting the wrestling program and has kept the program going as the coach. He is also a volunteer for the Junior Achievement program. For the past seven years, he teaches a six-week class to the fifth graders at Lincoln Elementary School helping to prepare them for the future by teaching them job skills.

The John Glenn Booster Club in Bay City provides athletic opportunities for youth. Middleton is on the Board of Directors as a vice president, which he has served for four years. His own children were the inspiration of getting involved in this club to provide greater athletic opportunities.