'Thank a Teacher' recipient for March 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 pleased to announce Claire Sensibaugh of Vanguard High School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee recognized Sensibaugh during an event at the school on March 25. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Sarah James, Ed.D., and Nancy Thrower, as well as Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Diane Gullett, Ed.D., PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, and other school and foundation leaders.

In the nomination for the award, Sensibaugh, a geometry teacher, was praised for her selfless devotion to her students and for her great amount of patience in the classroom.

“Teachers play an incredibly vital role in shaping the futures of our students and encouraging them to become the best that they can be,” said Keesee. “We at HCA Florida Healthcare believe it is important to honor those teachers, like Claire, who inspire our youth to achieve academically and to thrive as good citizens who contribute to the community.”

Magamoll noted, “The HCA Florida Healthcare ‘Thank a Teacher’ campaign is an opportunity for all of us to show appreciation to teachers through shared words of gratitude. Saying thank you to teachers is a simple, yet priceless, way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.”

During the 2024-25 school year, students, families and staff members are encouraged to share their stories about a particular teacher's inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons, or their overall positive impact. 

Teachers selected as a result of nominations from the public will receive $250 and a special email containing those heartfelt messages. Learn more about the “Thank a Teacher” program and the nomination process.