Ocala Hospital and West Marion Hospital recognize Thank a Teacher recipient Sonja Christmas

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are thrilled to announce Sonja Christmas of North Marion High School in Citra as the latest recipient of the “Thank a Teacher” award. 

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital Chief Executive Officer Alan Keesee presented the award to Christmas, who teaches health sciences and directs the HOSA-Future Health Professionals program, during an event at the school on Feb. 23. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Sarah James, Ed.D., Vice Chairwoman Lori Conrad, board members Alison Campbell and Nancy Thrower, Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Danielle Brewer, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll and other representatives of the school district, the foundation and school faculty. 

“Recognizing Sonja is extra special for us at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital because we have several of her former students on our staff,” said Keesee. “We support ‘Thank a Teacher’ to recognize educators who encourage and enable students to succeed in the classroom and in life, and in this case, we get to see Sonja’s impact first-hand in the work her former students do and the great care they provide our patients.” 

“Like the other recipients of the ‘Thank a Teacher’ award, Sonja brings out the best in her students and inspires them to achieve more than they think they are capable of,” said Magamoll. “Our community benefits from her positive influence in the classroom because after graduation, many of her students immediately pursue careers in healthcare, which is such an important component of Marion County’s economy.” 

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and the PEFMC present the “Thank a Teacher” award for each month of 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. 

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.