Rep. Carson honors IPS music teacher - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

An award was given Tuesday honoring a local teacher. Not only was it hand delivered a week early, but it was given by a former student in the national spotlight.

Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN) received an escorted tour through the hallways of George Washington High School Tuesday. He waited outside Nathaniel Truedell's classroom and then gave his former teacher a big surprise.

"I had to stop and surprise you on Teacher Appreciation Week," said Carson to a smiling Truedell as the two shook hands. "Of course, you're my favorite teacher. And I don't think I could have been here if not for all that you instilled in me as my theater teacher!"

Mr. Truedell now teaches music. He's set to retire next year - but not before receiving a congressional proclamation and a US flag.

"We used to have so much fun in class. It was unbelievable and what I saw what he was doing, I was like, you know, this is unbelievable to see him doing what he's doing," said Truedell to the class, speaking about Carson.

The congressman credits Truedell for his success.

"He told me to project my voice and to be heard and to be who I am," Carson explained.

They're the lessons of life the teacher continues to instill in his students.

"Everybody says bad things about students in IPS. That's not true. You can do anything. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. All of you," Truedell told his class.

Truedell has been sharing words of encouragement for decades. Now he gets to see the fruits of his labor.

"I used to see his grandmother who used to come to my church quite often and then we I saw him took over that spot, I said, 'That's what I'm talking about!'" Truedell said.

The positive conversation and influence is appreciated.

"Thank you, Mr. Truedell. Thanks for everything," Rep. Carson said as he left the teacher's classroom.

Mr. Truedell is also the minister of music at Jones Tabernacle A-M-E Zion Church.

Next week is officially Teacher Appreciation Week.