Franklin Central choir director honored with Golden Apple Award INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — WISH-TV celebrates extraordinary teachers in central Indiana with the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award. The award comes with a $2,000 cash prize from Western Governor’s University (WGU), a trophy, a s chool supply shopping spree to Teachers’ Treasures, and a surprise visit from the News 8 team with help from WGU Indiana. Franklin Central High School’s choir director, Jared Yoder, has been named March’s Golden Apple Award winner for his exceptional impact on students and colleagues alike. A leader who invests in others Yoder’s influence extends beyond the music room, according to Principal Zak Tschiniak. “He invests in his colleagues, he invests in me as his principal, and I think that sets him apart. And because he does that consistently, he does it genuinely,” Tschiniak said. “That’s what sets him apart.” His dedication is evident to fellow teachers, like choir director Andrew Knaup, who’s seen Yoder grow from a student to a full-fledged educator. “It’s really cool because there’s little bits I see of myself, but there’s a lot of things where he has taken his own approach to everything and has developed his own style,” Knaup said. The power of humor in the classroom Yoder’s sense of humor is a key part of his teaching style, helping to keep the energy up during rigorous rehearsals. “To have that exuberance and the excitement, the wanting to make everything better is really helpful for me,” Knaup added. Yoder’s humor creates an environment that helps both students and colleagues recharge and stay motivated, making a positive difference in everyone’s day-to-day interactions. Franklin Central High School Choir Director Jared Yoder.(Provided Photos/Franklin Central High School) A lasting impact on students For his students, Yoder’s approach is life-changing. Junior Venus Miranda praises him for going out of his way to connect with his students on a personal level. “He definitely goes out of his way to get to know his students personally and develop those deep connections with them,” Miranda said. Senior Izzabella Crabtree recalls a moment when Yoder’s compassion made all the difference. “He sat us down to remind us that he loves us and that we are incredible and doing everything that we need to do,” she said. Compassion that reaches beyond the classroom Yoder’s impact extends far beyond his teaching duties, as evidenced by the words of Miranda’s mother, Angela. “He’s taught Venus about compassion by displaying compassion to her and to many other students who are going through different things,” she said. “When she’s with him, all of the cares of the world pass away and she can just have a good time and learn and be inspired.” A well-deserved recognition In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Golden Apple team visited Yoder to surprise him with the award. His commitment to his students and colleagues continues to make Franklin Central High School a place of growth, inspiration, and support. Yoder’s impact is felt not only through his music but also through his dedication to fostering deep, lasting connections with his students and providing an environment that encourages both personal and academic growth. March Golden Apple Winner Mr. Jared Yoder (Center) with Daybreak’s Jeremy Jenkins (Left) and WGU Indiana Regional PR and Communications Manager Corey Elliot (Right)(WISH Photos/Jeremy Jenkins) 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. ...read more read less