Golden Apple Award Winner: Arsenal Technical High School's Most Valuable Player

Arsenal Technical High School's Ebony Lee is the latest winner of the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award. The award comes with a $2,000 cash prize from Western Governor’s University (WGU), a trophy, and a school supply shopping spree to Teachers’ Treasures.

“She’s someone we can count on every day,” said Assistant Principal Retha Swain. “She shows up, and she shows out.”

Lee's primary role is monitoring students in the hallways between classes, but her impact stretches far beyond the school walls. She is passionate about students and always willing to offer support and a shoulder to lean on.

“She tells you straight up that you can do better,” said student Rose Cirosil. “Not just because she sees you’re giving 50%, but because she believes in you more than anyone else will.”

Lee's guidance also reaches students who are struggling the most, such as Toddrea Foster, who admitted she was a problem student before meeting Lee.

“I don’t feel like I deserve this,” Lee said. “I just think, ‘Who can I bless with this? What can I do to give back?’ That’s my whole life.”

Lee's dedication extends to the basketball court, where she helps with girls' sports. She keeps her colleagues in check, too, and has brought out a softer side of Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Michael Fox.The WISH-TV Golden Apple team knew Lee was the perfect recipient of this month’s award, but since she spends most of her time in the hallways instead of a classroom, they had to get creative to pull off the surprise. The moment arrived when Lee was called to the office and walked in cautiously until she saw the familiar faces of students and staff cheering, “Congratulations!”

“Oh, my God!” Lee exclaimed.

The award included a $2,000 check from WGU Indiana, along with a gift from Teachers’ Treasures. As Lee received her award, her students took the mic to share just how much she means to them.Words to live by from an MVP both on and off the court: “Do all you can while you can to help somebody,” Lee said. “You never know when someone is on their last moment.”

To watch other Golden Apple Award recipients, click here. For a more in-depth conversation with our winner, click here. If you know a deserving teacher for next month’s Golden Apple Award, you can submit a detailed nomination here.