A Polk County High School teacher recently received a national honor given to one outstanding American history educator from each state.

Sam Vining, a 2016 Gardner-Webb University graduate from Tryon, has been awarded the James Madison Fellowship. He will attend a summer institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and will also receive a $24,000 scholarship toward a master’s degree. 

“I am most excited about being able to network with educators across the nation who were also selected as fellow recipients,” Vining said. “I’ve never been to Washington either, which will be a fun. This opportunity will help make me a better educator, because it will give me deeper insight into the craft of teaching while further cultivating my love for the discipline of history.”

Vining learned about the James Madison Fellowship from Donna Schronce, GWU instructor of geography and program coordinator for secondary social studies licensure.

“As I was finishing up my student teaching, she encouraged me to apply,” Vining said. “I wanted to go to the fellowship, because I felt like it was an incredible way for me to grow as a professional and to help improve my knowledge of content associated with American history. To be selected is a tremendous honor, and all credit is due to my professors: Dr. David Yelton, Dr. Joseph Moore, Ms. Schronce, and Dr. Timothy Vanderburg — mentors and friends who helped to shape who I am today.”

Vining teaches ninth grade at Polk County High School in Columbus His favorite part of being a teacher is connecting with his students and helping them understand why studying history is important.

“I hope to give my students an appreciation for other people, regardless of their background,” Vining said. “I hope that students can begin to learn how complicated history is, and thus find appreciation for other people and their own historical backgrounds.”

-Submitted by Jackie Bridges