BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are pleased to announce Emily Gray of Belleview High School in Belleview as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee presented the award to Gray during an event at the school on Feb. 27. Marion County School Board member Dr. Allison Campbell, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, and other school, foundation, and civic leaders also attended.

Pictured from left to right are: Golden Apple Academy Chairwoman Emily Cook; Thank a Teacher recipient Emily Gray; HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee; Belleview High School Principal Heather Guest; School Board member Dr. Allison Campbell; Take Stock in Children Mentor Coordinator Ashlie Gray; HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital Communications and Community Engagement Director Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler; and Belleview Chamber & Economic Partnership Director Joe Reichel.
Pictured from left to right are: Golden Apple Academy Chairwoman Emily Cook; Thank a Teacher recipient Emily Gray; HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee; Belleview High School Principal Heather Guest; School Board member Dr. Allison Campbell; Take Stock in Children Mentor Coordinator Ashlie Gray; HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital Communications and Community Engagement Director Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler; and Belleview Chamber & Economic Partnership Director Joe Reichel.

“A good education is the foundation for our students to create a better life for themselves and our community,” said Keesee. “We at HCA Florida Healthcare sponsor this program to recognize those dynamic educators who passionately guide students toward a brighter future.”

Gray, who teaches the college-level Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) English Literature program for seniors, was selected from a pool of nominees compiled and reviewed by previous winners of the Golden Apple Award, an honor given to public school teachers in Marion County.

Gray’s nomination noted her role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience among her students, while “helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence with grace.” The nomination also described Gray’s impact as extending beyond the classroom.

Gray is a graduate of Belleview High School. As a senior in the AICE English Literature program, she shared her goal with her then-teacher, Leta Edwards, to become a teacher and return to Belleview High School to continue the program when Edwards retired.

Gray described her reaction to receiving the award as “very overwhelmed, excited, shocked, and very happy.” Reflecting on her journey, she added, “This curriculum is everything I ever wanted. I still talk to Leta every now and then. She’s still really proud of me. I still have her library here.”

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Magamoll stated, “This initiative, thanks to HCA Florida Healthcare, is not just about recognizing individual teachers, but also about fostering a sense of community.”

During the 2024-25 school year, students, families, and staff members are encouraged to share their experiences with teachers who have had a positive impact. Teachers selected through public nominations will receive $250 and a special email containing messages of appreciation.

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