INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — WISH-TV is Indiana’s education station, and each school year, the News 8 team honors exceptional teachers in central Indiana with the Golden Apple Award.

Once a month from September through May, WISH-TV will surprise a central Indiana teacher with the Golden Apple Award. It comes with a trophy, a school supply shopping spree to Teachers’ Treasures, and a video message from students and staff.

Teachers are amazing and deserve a “thank you.” They work tirelessly and shape students’ lives, often without recognition.

We want your help to find those teachers who are deserving of recognition. We encourage students, parents, and colleagues to nominate a teacher for their outstanding efforts in education.

2023 GOLDEN APPLE AWARD WINNERS

• September: Golden Apple Award winner is the tech at Arsenal Tech High School
• October: Lawrence Township teacher cares for students while battling cancer
• November: Media teacher is ‘Westfield famous’ for being behind the camera
• December: Perry Township teacher shines a light on students with special needs
• January: Noblesville teacher creates ‘class family’ and ‘at home’ classroom
• February: Caring choir teacher instills confidence in students
• March: Purdue Polytechnic teacher brews passion and purpose
• April: Spanish teacher connects to students with care
• May: Army veteran teacher helps students ‘be the model’

Nathaniel Truitt from Hinkle Creek Elementary School in Noblesville was crowned as the Class of 2023 Grand Finale Winner for his “class family” approach to teaching. After the surprise in June of 2023, he was given another video from his students and a “Summer of Fun” swag bag from WISH-TV.