Matt McArdle Wins January’s Golden Apple Award

February 4, 2026

Hensley Legal Group, PC and WISH-TV are proud to announce the latest winner of the Golden Apple Award, Matt McArdle.

“You’ll Hear Him Before You See Him”

Every month, the Golden Apple Award is given to a different educator who is making a positive impact in the lives of Indiana’s schoolchildren. Each winner receives a trophy, a school supply shopping spree, a video message from students and staff, and a $500 check courtesy of HLG.

January’s recipient, Mr. McArdle, is a teacher’s aide at Christel House Academy South in Indianapolis, where he primarily helps special education students, though he’s a big help to practically everyone else at the school too.  Over the past twelve years, he has earned a reputation as a “Christel House Extraordinaire” who’s famous for his “boisterous” laugh.

“You can hear him anywhere he is in the building,” said Principal Paige Kendrick.  “You’ll hear him before you see him.”

“I Have Great People Who Look Out for Me”

Mr. McArdle wasn’t even aware that he had been nominated for a Golden Apple Award until a crew from WISH-TV dropped in on his classroom as he was “trying to teach the future of America.”  His wife and kids were also on hand to celebrate this honor with him.

While he was definitely happy to win, Mr. McArdle insisted that the main reason he does this job is “The smiles.”

“I work for great people,” he continued.  “I have great coworkers; I have great people who look out for me, not only in this building but in the real world as well, and thank you for the reminder, guys. I love you all, thank you so much.”

You can check out WISH-TV’s full segment on the award presentation below:

And if you know of a teacher in the Hoosier State who is deserving of greater recognition, visit WISH-TV’s website and complete the Golden Apple Award nomination form.

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Hensley Legal Group, PC is a dedicated Indiana personal injury law firm whose experienced attorneys have been fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured since 1998 and giving back to the community from the very beginning.

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