Latest "Thank a Teacher" recipient recognized by HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital
Ocala, FL — HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are thrilled to announce Samantha Trevino of Eighth Street Elementary School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle recognized Trevino during an event at the school on May 28. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Allison Campbell, Ph.D., and Sarah James, Ed.D., PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, and other foundation members and school faculty.
“Samantha’s dedication to her students, both inside and outside the classroom, exemplifies what HCA Florida Healthcare sought to highlight through the ‘Thank a Teacher’ program,” said Zirkle. “During this school year, we wanted to recognize educators like Samantha who go the extra mile to encourage students to shine academically and in life generally.”
Trevino, a third-grade teacher, was nominated for her ability to engage and motivate her students in the classroom, as well as her willingness to attend off-campus events outside of school hours to support her students and their families. One advocate for her nomination noted, “Samantha works hard at preparing for each day to do her best to connect with each student in her class. Samantha puts forth extra effort each year to not only teach in her classroom (but) also to connect with her students outside the classroom to let them know how important they are.”
“You may find her at a student’s football or soccer (game) on a Saturday morning to support them. Samantha is always at a dance recital or anywhere her students may be attending outside the classroom,” the nomination continued. “Without fail each year, she exceeds with growth of students by showing she cares. We need more teachers to teach at her capacity — to reach out to families of all students with positive results.”
Magamoll noted, “We are incredibly grateful to HCA Florida Healthcare for partnering with the PEFMC on the “Thank A Teacher” initiative this entire school year. Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to shine a light on the education profession and share appreciation for the positive impact teachers have on their students. Heartfelt testimonials from students and parents have provided teachers with much deserved recognition. A simple campaign concept of ‘thank a teacher’ has amplified the message of gratitude via hundreds of nominations across our school district.”
HCA Florida Healthcare’s recognition of Trevino brings the “Thank a Teacher” initiative to a close for the 2024-25 school year.
After Trevino was recognized, Magamoll and Sarah Jacobs of West Port High School, the 2025 Marion County Teacher of the Year, presented Zirkle and Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler, communications and community engagement director for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, a gold version of the “Thank a Teacher” award. The award was a gift made by Emily Cook, volunteer chairwoman of the PEFMC’s Golden Apple Academy, as a symbol of appreciation to HCA Florida Healthcare for making the “Thank a Teacher” campaign possible.
The program will resume in August after the 2025-26 school year gets underway. In preparation for that, students, families, and staff members of Marion County Public Schools are encouraged to submit nominations during the summer break to share stories about the overall positive impact their favorite teachers have had on them.
Visit this link 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.