'Thank a Teacher' recipient for May recognized by Ocala Hospital and 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 excited to announce Diana Fye of West Port High School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle recognized Fye during an event at the school on May 21. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Allison Campbell, Ph.D., and Nancy Thrower, interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, and other foundation and school personnel.
According to Magamoll, Fye, a ninth-grade environmental sciences teacher, is the first Thank a Teacher recipient whose selection was based exclusively on the nominations of students. At least eight students submitted nominations on Fye’s behalf, Magamoll noted. In the certificate presented to Fye, one of those students wrote, “You are one of the best teachers I’ve had in a few years. Thank you for helping with hard time(s) at school and in class. Thank you so much.”
“HCA Florida Healthcare created ‘Thank a Teacher’ to recognize educators who make a significant contribution to improving the lives of students,” said Keesee. “The fact that Diana’s selection was based on the nominations of several students speaks volumes about the real and positive impact she is making in their lives.”
“Through their nominations, Diana’s students voiced approval for her efforts to shepherd them in both academics and in life,” said Zirkle. “HCA Florida Healthcare intended for this program to honor educators like Diana who encourage students to become high achievers.”
Magamoll noted, “The HCA Florida Healthcare ‘Thank a Teacher’ campaign is an opportunity for all 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.