Latest 'Thank a Teacher' recipient honored 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 Lisa Asher of Dr. N.H Jones Elementary School in Ocala as the recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award for the month of October.

HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle presented Asher the award during an event at the school on Nov. 21. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Sarah James, Vice Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Allison Campbell, Ph.D., and Rev. Eric Cummings, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, and other foundation board members and school faculty.

“At HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, we really enjoy these opportunities to celebrate outstanding teachers like Lisa,” said Zirkle. “A great education begins with teachers who are dedicated to the students’ success in the classroom and in life, and the purpose of the ‘Thank a Teacher’ program is to commend those teachers, such as Lisa, who provide students with that strong foundation.”

Asher teaches first grade at Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School. Her “Thank a Teacher” nomination, which was submitted by a parent, noted, “Thank you for your patience and dedication you put forward every day with my son and his classmates.”

“Thanks to HCA Florida Healthcare, ‘Thank a Teacher’ has created a partnership that fosters a sense of community through public expressions of gratitude to educators who shape our world,” Magamoll said. “Now that we are in the holiday season, we encourage members of our community to offer their own words of gratitude to our teachers. A heartfelt note from a student, parents, and peers can really brighten a teacher's day.”

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, and the PEFMC present the “Thank a Teacher” award each month throughout the 2025-26 school year. Winning educators are nominated by students, families, or staff members of Marion County Public Schools who call attention to the teachers’ devotion to education and the overall positive impact they have on their students and school communities.

Visit this link to learn more about the “Thank a Teacher” program and the nomination process. Teachers selected for recognition will receive $250 and a special email containing those heartfelt messages submitted with their nomination.