HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital recognize 'Thank a Teacher' recipient
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are excited to announce Kathy Nick of Ward-Highlands Elementary School in Ocala as the recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award for the month of September.
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle recognized Nick during an event at the school on November 21. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board chairwoman Sarah James, Vice Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Allison Campbell, Ph.D., and Rev. Eric Cummings, PEFMC executive director Meghan Magamoll, and other foundation board members and school faculty.
“This is the season of giving thanks for the many blessings that enrich all of our lives, and in that spirit, we at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital join the Public Education Foundation of Marion County to express gratitude to teachers, like Kathy, who work hard every day to help their students achieve,” said Zirkle. “‘Thank a Teacher’ exists to raise awareness about great teachers who selflessly serve their students and schools, and Kathy is certainly a good example of the outstanding educators we want to honor with this award. We also want to offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all teachers across our community for their commitment to providing quality education to our children.”
“What sets Mrs. Nick apart is her unwavering compassion and patience. She understands that learning doesn’t look the same for every student and always takes the time to support those who may be struggling — whether academically, emotionally, or socially,” stated the nomination for Nick, a second-grade teacher at Ward-Highlands Elementary School. “It is educators like Mrs. Nick who quietly change lives every day. She may not seek the spotlight, but the light she shines in the lives of students is undeniable.”
“Through the HCA Florida Healthcare ‘Thank a Teacher’ campaign, we are able to invite our entire community to join us with an attitude of gratitude for those phenomenal teachers who go above and beyond to take care of students each and every day,” Magamoll said. “The monthly nominations and celebrations uplift educators, like Ms. Nick, who make a difference in the lives of so many. We are grateful to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital for this partnership and the opportunity to recognize our teachers.”
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, and the PEFMC present the “Thank a Teacher” award each month throughout the 2025-26 school year. The award honors educators who are nominated by students, families, or staff members of Marion County Public Schools. The winning teachers are recognized for the overall positive they have on their students and school communities.
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.