HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are excited to announce Savannah Ewers of Maplewood Elementary School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Zirkle presented the award to Ewers during an event at the school on May 18. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Sarah James, Ed.D., Vice Chairwoman Lori Conrad, board members Alison Campbell and Nancy Thrower, Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Danielle Brewer, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll and other representatives of the school district, the foundation, and school faculty.
“Through ‘Thank a Teacher,’ we at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital meet exceptional teachers who have a profound and positive influence on our students,” said Zirkle. “Savannah is certainly among them, and it’s fantastic for us to come in person to acknowledge her as a great teacher in front of her students and the school community.”
Ewers, a fifth-grade teacher, was nominated by a parent whose daughter is in Ewers’ class and who is also a senior faculty member at another Marion County school. “Ms. Ewers is an amazing teacher. She makes an impact on her students, not only by teaching the curriculum but by being involved in their interests after school,” the nomination stated. “Whether it is a helping hand or an encouraging word, Ms. Ewers motivates her fifth-graders to be the best leaders they can be. It is comforting knowing my daughter is being loved and cared for each day.”
“Teachers like Savannah exemplify the passion, dedication and positive influence that shape the future of Marion County’s students and strengthen our entire community,” said Magamoll. “We are deeply grateful for our partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare through the ‘Thank a Teacher’ program, which allows us to recognize outstanding educators who inspire their students to achieve more and make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.”
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, and the PEFMC present the “Thank a Teacher” award for each month of the 2025-26 school year. Winning educators are nominated by students, families, or staff members of Marion County Public Schools who call attention to the teachers’ devotion to education and the overall positive impact they have on their students and school communities.
Visit the Public Education Foundation of Marion County website to learn more about the “Thank a Teacher” program and the nomination process. Teachers selected for recognition will receive $250 and a special email containing those heartfelt messages submitted with their nomination.