Niles North Teacher Wins Golden Apple Award

SKOKIE, IL - A Niles North High School teacher was one of only 11 educators statewide to be presented with a Golden Apple award this week.

Pankaj Sharma, who teaches U.S. history, government and civics at the Skokie school was selected from a list of hundreds eligible for the award, according to ABC-7-Chicago. He’s described by some as the “heart of the school community.”

Hosea Sanders of ABC was the guest presenter of the surprise award. Sanders surprised Sharma and others at the school shortly after noon on Wednesday.

As a reward for his win, Sharma will study at Northwestern University tuition free and receive $5,000 cash.

According to a news release, Golden Apple has recognized outstanding teachers throughout Illinois each year for the past three decades. Created by founders Mike and Pat Koldyke, Golden Apple’s mission is to “inspire, develop and support teacher excellence in Illinois.”