Laura McAdams, more commonly known as Madame, has been our French teacher for seven years. She previously worked in Hamilton City School District between the two buildings: Hamilton Freshman School and Hamilton High School as the foreign language teacher. Then, she got a job managing software accounts in sales for French-speaking African countries in Europe.

Although it wasn’t in her plan to teach again, a call from Sid Imhoff persuaded her. Imhoff and Brian Pendergest talked about family and community, and Madame had to experience it for herself.

“In the interview, he and Mr. P kept talking about the Badin family. This family atmosphere, the students here will love your children, they’ll love you, you’ll have amazing relationships with them. And I thought they were totally full of it and they were not wrong. I fell in love with it right away here,” McAdams said.

Outside of the classroom, Madame prioritizes her personal time around the center of her world: her family.

“All I do is spend time with my family,” McAdams said. “I leave here and it’s all about my kids and spending time with them. On the weekends we always have to get outside at a park, like Pyramid Hill… It’s mainly about spending time with my family and being outside as much as possible.”

Aside from teaching French and spending time with her kids and brother, Mr. Cole, you will be able to find her on the move walking around school or in the parking lot.

“That’s really… that’s about it. I feel like I’m kinda boring; I keep a low profile. I just want to be as active as possible and outdoors as much as possible,” McAdams said. “When I had kids it really shifted my perspective on health. Starting when I found out I was pregnant… but there is something when you realize you are literally creating and building life: that that is the most important thing is my health and longevity to be here for my children and raise my game all around the board.”

After chatting with Madame, we saw a little glimpse into her life before Badin, how she got here, her life outside of school, and some of the important things and people in her life. If there is one takeaway you must hear from her, consider these wise words.

“Get outside. It’s in my nature to want to be a momma bear and hibernate in the winter but my kids force me to be active… Especially if you’re feeling down, movement will immediately help snap you out of a negative state,” McAdams said.