COLLIER COUNTY, Fla -  Six Collier County teachers have some shiny new hardware.  They are this year's Golden Apple recipients.

Dozens of community members surprised the teachers in their classrooms on Tuesday.  The Golden Apple is a community award given to teachers who exemplify excellence in the classroom.

This year's Collier County Golden Apple teachers are:

Khris Bettan-Jutasi -- Lorenzo Walker Technical High

Catherine Hunt -- Lely High

Andrew Klatzkow - Corkscrew Elementary

Sarah Nick -- Golden Gate Elementary

Judy Ramirez -- Eden Park Elementary

Kathleen Weitzel -- Naples Park Elementary

The Golden Apple process began with thousands of nominations from the community.  After essays from the teachers, interviews and classrooms observations the teachers were narrowed down to just six recipients.  The Golden Apple program is run by Champions for Learning.

WINK News is a proud sponsor of the program.

This year's Golden Apple teachers will be honored at a dinner celebrating teaching on May 10th.