Marion Public Education Foundation honor latest 'Thank a Teacher' winner
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), are pleased to honor Erin Wheeler of Marion Oaks Elementary School in Ocala as the latest recipient of the "Thank a Teacher" award.
Wheeler was recognized during an event at the school on Dec. 13 with PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll and representatives from the school district and HCA Florida Healthcare
“Through the ‘Thank a Teacher’ program this school year, we are honored to recognize teachers who truly are an inspiration to their students and school communities,” said HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee. “Ms. Wheeler’s commitment to her students and the respect she receives from other educators at Marion Oaks Elementary School was evident in the many nominations she received.”
Wheeler, a third-grade teacher, was selected from a pool of nominees compiled and judged by previous winners of the Golden Apple Award, the most prestigious honor given to public school teachers in Marion County.
Magamoll added, “This holiday season, we encourage our community to continue expressing gratitude to teachers. A heartfelt note from students, parents, and peers can brighten a teacher's day. By nominating a teacher through HCA Florida Healthcare’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ campaign, your words of appreciation will be delivered to them. A simple message can remind them of their significant impact on you or your child's life. Help us share the magic of the season by thanking teachers.”
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, students, families, and staff members are encouraged to share their stories about a particular teacher's inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons, or just their overall positive impact.
Teachers selected as a result of nominations from the public will receive $250 and a special email containing those heartfelt messages. Visit this link to learn more about the “Thank a Teacher” program and the nomination process.
Photo caption:
Pictured are those who participated in presenting Erin Wheeler the “Thank a Teacher” award. From left to right, they include: Meghan Magamoll, executive director of PEFMC; Sue Eatmon, assistant principal of Marion Oaks Elementary School (MOES); Lisa Dreher, principal of MOES; Beth Abel, Golden Apple Academy member; Emily Brazill, student services manager at MOES; Erin Wheeler, 3rd Grade Teacher at MOES; Emily Cook, Golden Apple Academy chairwoman; Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler, communications and community engagement director for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.