INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) —   WISH-TV celebrates extraordinary teachers in central Indiana with the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award.

The award comes with a trophy, $500 in cash thanks to our partners at Hensley Legal Group, PC, a school supply shopping spree to Teachers’ Treasures, and a surprise visit from the News 8 team.

• Nominate a deserving teacher for the Golden Apple Award!

May’s Golden Apple Award winner is Ms. Claire Dillehay. She’s an art teacher in Perry Township who has mastered the art of education. She brings creativity to the classroom and helps students truly become artists.

At Jeremiah Gray Elementary School, students in first through fifth grade find inspiration in the halls, on the walls, and in each other.

The class is a blank canvas for creativity to soar. Thanks in part to an art teacher who is out of this world – Dillehay.

Lincoln Storey, 9, says art with Dillehay is his favorite subject. “You get to make stuff and draw,” he mused.

Francis Rizzi, 10, agreed. “(Dillehay’s) fun, and she’s a good teacher, and she loves teaching art with us.”

Dillehay brings her passion for painting, skills for sculpting, and dedication to drawing to every student who steps into her class.

Third-grade teacher Susan Decamp works with Dillehay, and was one of the teachers who nominated her.

She says her students would draw all day if they could, they are always so excited after art class.

“The way they start their class is, ‘Hello, my most amazing artist!’ And then they answer, ‘Hello, my most amazing art teacher!’ She has instilled in all of them that not only is she an artist, but they are artists, as well.”

“She’s building memories with the kids every day,” Decamp said. “And I really think that speaks to the environment that she set up, that they all believe that they can, they all believe that they’re artists. Nobody is afraid to try.”

Dillehay also creates an atmosphere where every student can thrive. She starts each day with a step-by-step video, instilling confidence – then creativity. This year’s theme is outer space, giving kids the “space to grow.”

Francis Rizzi says every class, they start with a video, and then it is off to the races drawing.

Along with getting kids ready for a huge art showcase in the district, she motivates students outside of class. She’s a founding member of the Beech Grove Artist Collective, bringing First Friday art walks and art festivals to the community.

Dillehay is also a mom, and she’s constantly finding new trends to bring to art class.

“She really cares about making art something that they enjoy doing and empowering them to all believe that they can do it and that they are all artists,” Decamp said.

That’s why she nominated Ms. Dillehay for the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award.

The Hensley Legal Group, PC team and the WISH-TV team went to surprise her. Ryan Kreicker, director of IT & digital marketing for Hensley Legal Group, presented the $500 check to Ms. Dillehay.

“Congratulations – thank you for what you do, making an impact on our community,” Kreicker said.

“What an honor, thank you so much,” Dillehay responded during the surprise. “I am feeling overwhelmed and surprised, but thank you.”

Then she watched a video from her students and coworkers.

 “Just very honored. They inspire me so much, and I love to share my passion. They are some of the most talented, most beautiful people. Students and staff. I just feel very lucky to be a teacher and share my love of art,” Ms. Dillehay said.

When asked what she hopes people learn from her story, Ms. Dillehay responded, “Don’t be afraid to express yourself, art allows you to just be. And I think that is the power of art.”

Because there is power in being yourself. There is no one way to paint, draw, or sculpt your story — and teaching that truly is an art.

At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, WISH-TV will celebrate the Class of 2026 winners with the Golden Apple Grand Finale Special. One teacher will also be honored as the Grand Finale Award winner and will be given a year-end trophy and another cash prize from Hensley Legal Group.

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