Golden Apple

Mrs. Rachel Haynes has spent over a decade teaching 15-year-old Harley Palmer and shares a special bond with all her students as a special education resource teacher. But, what sparked Mrs. Haynes' interest in teaching? More than 25 years into this career, she shares her own story with this personal conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Rachel Haynes has been a special education resource teacher for 25 years and now works in the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township. What really sets her apart is her devotion to her students, which lasts far longer than a school year. In fact, she has spent more than a decade teaching 15-year-old Harley Palmer out of the goodness of her heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Golden Apple Grand Finale Special, all nine teachers were invited to the WISH-TV studios for a celebration of their achievements. One teacher was also honored as the Grand Finale Award winner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miss Kourtney Liggett talks about her journey to the army and into the classroom. The Speedway native has a passion for public service and encourages students to 'be the model' and lead the way. Her 5th-grade students say she is a hero inside and outside the classroom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May’s Golden Apple Award winner is a hero inside and outside the classroom. Miss Kourtney Liggett, an Army veteran from Speedway, uses Marvel movies to help motivate her fifth-grade students in Wayne Township.Students at Chapelwood Elementary School say Liggett’s motto is “Be the model.” With that phrase, she helps students lead the way, every day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Students at Pike High School say Ms. Leiwanna (Wannie) Taylor connects with them through culture and care. We have an honest conversation with her about how she got started as a Spanish teacher, how travel plays a part in her continued education and her insight for parents.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ms. Leiwanna (Wannie) Taylor is a Spanish teacher at Pike High School who also speaks the language of high school students. She connects with them through culture and care. Ms. Taylor’s creative approach and passion for the subject make her una excelente profesora de español.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Dustin Homan is an educator at Purdue Polytechnic High School North in Indianapolis, where all teachers are called ‘coaches.’ He chose to go into education in the middle of the pandemic, to help kids. Now, his students say his coaching is changing lives. Hear this honest conversation about what keeps Coach Homan so passionate about teaching.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Dustin Homan gets kids out of the classroom with life-changing field trips and helps students “brew” a coffee business to pay for those experiences. One student said, “It’s almost like he tricked us into learning, in a weird way.” Hear why students and fellow staff nominated him for the Golden Apple Award!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An in-depth conversation with Mrs. Amy Kamwendo about her philosophy on teaching. She said, "I have them for such a short amount of time in their lives and you have to make it count." Hear how she creates a bond with students and the impact her own music teacher had on her life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Amy Kamwendo makes all of her students the stars at Guion Creek Middle School by supporting them with love. Kamwendo helps students shine on and off the stage in Pike Township. Now, her choir and musical theater students are singing her praises.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Nathaniel Truitt and his student representatives - Sam Hoffman, Cody Morris, and Maya Smiley - from Hinkle Creek Elementary School have an in-depth conversation about their 'class family' and what makes it so special. From student responsibilities to learning more about what inspires Mr. Truitt, we learn how family can be a crucial part of education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At Hinkle Creek Elementary School, students in the third grade understand the meaning of family. It’s all thanks to their teacher, Nathaniel Truitt, and his “class family.” Truitt’s classroom does not have typical desks. Instead, it is furnished like a family room with dining room tables, couches, and family pictures on the walls. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to what inspired Ms. Ali DeHart to students with special needs and learn more about her work with Miss Amazing!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ms. Ali DeHart is the heart of special education in Perry Township. She gives to her elementary students year-round and during the holidays. She is also committed to shining a light on people with special needs, with her work as the director of Miss Amazing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We chat with Mr. Shawn Davis from the Westfield-Washington School district to find out how this rockstar teacher transitioned to educating students through Rocks Media House.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Students across the district recognize Mr. Shawn Davis as the man behind the camera. His home base is at Westfield High School, where he teaches kids about video and media production. His students say he empowers people to follow their passions, and it’s time for him to be the star.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Mitchell has been teaching in Lawrence Township for most of her long career. She comes from a family of educators but hopes her journey into teaching inspires young educators. Hear her honest conversation about her career and battle with cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

October’s Golden Apple Award winner is Amy Mitchell from the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, and she always puts her students first, including caring for her class while battling cancer. Determination and devotion — beyond deserving of the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mr. Isaac Adams has a real conversation about the difficulties teachers face, plus dreaming big to create a classroom filled with technology and students willing to try STEM.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At Arsenal Tech High School there are hundreds of students, 76 acres, 13 buildings, and plenty of history, but only one Mr. Isaac Adams.“Mr. Adams has an immense passion for Tech. Not only is he a graduate of Arsenal Tech, but he lives very much in the community and sees his role here not just as a teacher, but as a member of the Tech community."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the Golden Apple Grand Finale Special, all nine teachers were invited to the WISH-TV Studios for a celebration of their achievements. One teacher was also honored as the Grand Finale Winner, receiving $1,000 and a glass trophy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DaMeisha Fleming explains her inspiration behind the James Whitcomb Riley School 43 Black History Thematic Unit. With the recent passing of her dad, Fleming remains focused on her students and ensuring stability and growth is a constant. She is always teaching and shares many lessons in this conversation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DaMeisha Fleming is the final Golden Apple Award winner for the 2021-2022 school year. She is a first-grade teacher at James Whitcomb Riley School 43 and does just about every role you can think of at the school, while also shining a light on the power of Black history and empowering students.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"My heart is so full right now. I have been beaming nonstop since you guys came to my room." Hear Ms. Amber Ploutz's reaction to the response from WISH-TV's Golden Apple story and why doing work you love is worth it. Ploutz runs the show when it comes to V.O. Isom Central Elementary School's Drama Club. She has transformed the program into a huge success over the past ten years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April’s winner is Amber Ploutz, a 2nd-grade teacher at V.O. Isom Central Elementary School in Greenwood. Along with teaching, Ploutz runs the school’s Drama Club in her free time. She has transformed the program into a huge success over the past ten years and creates plays and parodies for students to perform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jocelyn Sisson, an AP literature, language and composition teacher at North Central High School. She has been a teacher for 32 years but this is her second career. Hear what fuels her passion and drive for this challenging and rewarding job. A lot has changed over the decades, yet she has mastered how to connect and teach students through a masterful level of difficulty and respect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jocelyn Sisson IS an AP literature, language and composition teacher who has spent decades helping students write their own stories. She demands kids do their best and is known for “yelping,” a term her students use to describe her yelling and helping method of teaching.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is an in-depth conversation with Mr. Blastic about his special role as an interventionist. He explains his ongoing education and some methods he uses to help bridge the gap some elementary students have in language arts or math.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jodavid Blastic is known at Trinity Christian School as “Super Mr. B” and his ability to help students thrive, truly is a superpower. Blastic has a special role at the school as an interventionist. He helps bridge the gap some elementary students have in language arts or math.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Sarah Terrell explains who inspired her to become a teacher and how messages from her students keep her motivated to do the job she loves. Hear her journey and words of wisdom as teachers overcome struggles during the pandemic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mrs. Sarah Terrell is outgoing, energetic, and very talkative. However, she was almost speechless after WISH-TV surprised her with the Golden Apple Award.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

December’s big winner is Daniel Dorsett. Dorsett is the band director at Harshman Magnet Middle School in Indianapolis. Dorsett is helping teach so much more than just music.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WISH-TV honors Mr. Steve Reeder with October 2021's Golden Apple Award. His nomination was full of examples of how he actually lives what he does (and he's a history, so that's not that obvious). He and his students apply for local historical markers, make documentaries, and impressive display cases all about the history makers of Monrovia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Golden Apple team begins the 2021-2022 school year in Lawrence Township, surprising a teacher who really speaks her students' languages: en Ingles y Espanol! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hear from this year's winning teachers in WISH-TV's Golden Apple Grand Finale Special and find out who won the Grand Finale Prize from Bailey & Wood Mortgage Lender. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Golden Apple Grand Finale Special airs on WISH-TV Thursday June 10th and 6:30pm. Bailey Wood and Brenna Donnelly recap an incredible -unprecedented- year of surprises, some of their favorite moments, and a preview of what's coming to the teachers in Thursday's surprise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pittsboro teacher Alex DeSutter won May's Golden Apple Award for her incredible success in helping her pandemic-delayed students get back up to standard. For little ones, that means going from not being able to read to reading. Hear the emotional story from a parent's point of view, and listen to our team surprise Miss DeSutter in-class. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Warren Central teacher and coach Gary Roberts joins host Brenna Donnelly to extend the conversation after his Golden Apple Award win in April. Coach Roberts explains why he created a video series that may or may not have absolutely nothing to do with his chosen academic subject, math. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In April's Golden Apple surprise, math teacher and coach Gary Roberts receives the Golden Apple Award. His list of accolades is daunting: 43 years at Warren Central High School, Lacrosse Coach of the Year, Soccer Coach Hall of Fame, mystery novelist, and annual service project organizer. But during a pandemic, he added "chicken Cheez-It chef," and believe it not, that's what some kids say they'll remember him for. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March’s Golden Apple Winner Dan Andersen shares stories from his 30 years of teaching with host Brenna Donnelly. Mr. Andersen was nominated for the Golden Apple Award not just for his impact on students, but his impact on his family. Andersen explains how his family has shaped his career, and vice versa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WISH-TV staff can’t nominate Golden Apple winners, but local teachers have undoubtedly changed our lives, too. Daybreak Anchor Drew Blair shares why her favorite teacher, Steve Hoernemann from Brebeuf High School, taught her how to start *your* day with a smile.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In March's Golden Apple surprise, fans of Center Grove choir director Dan Andersen explain how he's amassed a multi-generational following in Greenwood. His daughters also share how their dad's example led them to become teachers. Then, our surprise crew crashes Mr. Andersen's choir concert to award him with $500, a golden trophy, and a nomination video all about him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In February's Golden Apple surprise, fans of Cardinal Ritter art teacher Rhiannon Sanders explain why her new diversity club has changed their perspectives on the people and movements around them. Then, our surprise crew barges into Ms. Sanders' classroom to award her with $500, a golden trophy, and a nomination video all about her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One art teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School is truly living the cliche: ‘art is for everyone.’ Mr. Dan Moosbrugger recently created a peer mentoring art class, combing general education students and HSE’s “Exceptional Learner” students, or those with moderate to severe disabilities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brenna Donnelly chats with “Mr. D”: the December Golden Apple winner and high-energy, break-dancing PE teacher from Nora Elementary. Hear his honest reaction to his surprise this month, about his rapidly growing YouTube channel, and his success reaching kids of all types. Mr. D even shares what he’s working on for next semester!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A few minutes into Mr. Marcus Dalton’s hilarious, educational, and high-energy YouTube workout videos and WISH-TV’s Golden Apple team knew they had their winner! Listen in as his students tell us what he does that makes him “wild” and “the best ever,” and hear the genuine surprise as Mr. Dalton receives the Golden Apple Award in front of his colleagues at Nora Elementary. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WISH-TV’s Golden Apple Award Winner for November is a Physics Teacher from Avon High School. Mr. Zachary Rohrbach. His students have described him as “quirky funny” and “Caring” and they all share their appreciation for his style of teaching. Mr. Rohrbach did not expect to see Brenna Donnelly and WISH-TV and was genuinely surprised to receive the Golden Apple Award presented by Bailey & Wood Mortgage.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brenna Donnelly talks with Bailey Wood of Bailey & Wood Mortgage, sponsor of the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award. Bailey talks about her own bumpy yet inspiring school experience, why community involvement is so important to her family, her favorite moments from season 1 teacher surprises, and how the name “Bailey & Wood” came about. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WISH-TV is honoring Central Indiana Teachers who make a crucial difference in our children’s lives. Each month during the school year, Brenna Donnelly and Bailey & Wood Mortgage Lender, surprise a Central Indiana teacher with the Golden Apple Award along with $500! Listen to learn more about these wonderful teachers, their stories and all they do to help their students, schools and communities with the Golden Apple Award Podcast, sponsored by Baily & Wood Mortgage Lender. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.