MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are thrilled to announce Samantha Trevino of Eighth Street Elementary School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award.

HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle recognized Trevino during an event at the school on May 28. “Samantha’s dedication to her students, both inside and outside the classroom, exemplifies what HCA Florida Healthcare sought to highlight through the ‘Thank a Teacher’ program,” said Zirkle. “During this school year, we wanted to recognize educators like Samantha who go the extra mile to encourage students to shine academically and in life generally.”

Trevino, a third-grade teacher, was nominated for her ability to engage and motivate her students in the classroom, as well as her willingness to attend off-campus events outside of school hours to support her students and their families. “Samantha puts forth extra effort each year to not only teach in her classroom (but) also to connect with her students outside the classroom to let them know how important they are. You may find her at a student’s football or soccer (game) on a Saturday morning to support them. Samantha is always at a dance recital or anywhere her students may be attending outside the classroom,” the nomination noted. “We need more teachers to teach at her capacity — to reach out to families of all students with positive results.”

Isaiah Zirkle holds a gold award while standing with three women in front of Eighth Street Elementary during the “Thank a Teacher” recognition event.
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle holds a gold “Thank a Teacher” award alongside Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler, Meghan Magamoll, and Sarah Jacobs following the final teacher recognition event of the school year at Eighth Street Elementary. Courtesy: HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare’s recognition of Trevino brings the “Thank a Teacher” initiative to a close for the 2024-25 school year. PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll and Sarah Jacobs of West Port High School, the 2025 Marion County Teacher of the Year, presented Zirkle and Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler, communications director for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, a gold version of the “Thank a Teacher” award made by Emily Cook, chairwoman of the PEFMC’s Golden Apple Academy, as a symbol of appreciation to HCA Florida Healthcare.

“We are incredibly grateful to HCA Florida Healthcare for partnering with the PEFMC on the ‘Thank A Teacher’ initiative this entire school year,” said Magamoll. “Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to shine a light on the education profession and share appreciation for the positive impact teachers have on their students.”

The program will resume in August. Students, families, and staff members of Marion County Public Schools are encouraged to submit nominations during the summer break and share the overall positive impact their favorite teachers have had on them.

Visit https://bit.ly/4mJsM6z to learn more about the program. Teachers selected for recognition will receive $250 and a special email containing those heartfelt messages submitted with their nomination.

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