MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Zanita Hendry, the art teacher at Hillcrest School in Ocala, is Marion County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Hendry won the title at the 36th annual black-tie Golden Apple Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Reilly Arts Center.
Hendry, an 11-year veteran of Marion County Public Schools (MCPS), bested four other teachers in this year’s Golden Apple recipient class for the prestigious honor. She also received a three-year prepaid lease on a new 2026 Genesis G70 automobile from Jenkins Auto Group, the presenting sponsor of the event orchestrated by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC).
Hendry teaches students in grades 6-12 with exceptional needs. She is a graduate of Dunnellon High School and holds a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Social/Behavioral Science from the University of Central Florida. She was also the 2023 Florida Adaptive Arts Educator of the Year.
In December, Hillcrest also was named home of Principal of the Year Lori Manresa and Rookie Teacher of the Year Stephanie Stephens. Hendry’s win solidifies a single school’s Triple Crown win for all three top honors, believed to be the first time in MCPS’ 157-year history.
This year’s Golden Apple Gala showcased school-based teachers and rookie teachers of the year along with an all-star choir of musical students at all grade levels from 18 MCPS schools who performed “Unwritten” as a tribute to local educators. A “chapters” theme tied different program portions together, culminating with a mindset of “the best is still unwritten.” Saturday night’s event was also sold out and record-breaking in terms of attendance.