A group of presenters, including ABC7's Theresa Gutierrez arrived in Judy Choi's classroom, but the embarrassed honoree tried to run away.
As happy students reacted, she was hugged by Kathleen Kelly-Colgan, the director of Bartolome de Las Casas Charter School and by her proud mother.
Choi receives a $3,000 grant and a tuition-free six-month sabbatical to study at Northwestern University.
Choi said her colleagues are outstanding and all deserve Golden Apples.