COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

Matthew Andres, “Thank a Teacher” recipient. [Submitted photo]

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Posted February 17, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Emerald Shores teacher honored

Matthew Andres of Emerald Shores Elementary School in Ocala has been given the “Thank a Teacher” award through a partnership of the Education Foundation of Marion County, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.

Andres teaches fifth grade. His nomination, which was submitted by another teacher at the school, noted, “He is always there for his colleagues when they need it and he goes above and beyond for his students.” 

West Marion Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Zirkle presented the award to Andres during an event at the school on Jan. 27. 

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. 

To learn more, go to pefmc.org/thank-a-teacher

Inspire Gala nominations due by Feb. 27

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is accepting nominations through Feb. 27 for the Inspire Gala, a celebration of charitable leadership and impact.

The categories of recognition are:

• Youth Philanthropist of the Year
• Emerging Nonprofit
• Nonprofit Board Member of the Year
• Nonprofit of the Year
• Corporate Partner of the Year
• The Unsung Hero
• Philanthropist of the Year
• Frank Martin Hennessey Award
• Luminary Award – Estate Planning Council of Marion County.

Completed submissions and supporting materials may be sent by mail to Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34471, or by email to [email protected]. To submit a nomination online, go to ocalafoundation.org

The Inspire Gala is set for May 1, at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala. For tickets, contact Dawn Phelps at [email protected] or (352) 622-5020.

Citizens academy begins March 26

The city of Ocala is accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Academy. The free, 11-week program begins March 26 and will be held weekly on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through June 4.

Through interactive sessions, participants will explore city operations, budgeting and decision-making processes. The program features facility tours, department presentations and engagement with city officials and staff.

Applicants must be city of Ocala residents, be at least 18 years old and able to attend a minimum of nine of the 11 sessions.

The deadline to apply is March 1, by 11:59 p.m. Applications are available at ocalafl.gov/citizensacademy

CF selected as lead college for quality initiative

The College of Central Florida has been selected as a lead college by the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA).

CF will represent the Southeast in the CCBA Quality Framework for Community College Baccalaureate Programs. As a lead college, CF will collaborate with CCBA and peer institutions to share best practices, participate in national conversations about program quality and help refine indicators that support strong community college baccalaureate models nationwide, the news release noted.

“Being selected as a lead college is a testament to the high quality of our bachelor of applied science in business and organizational management degree and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Nancy Abshier, CF senior professor and program chair for Business and Organizational Management, in the release. “We look forward to using the CCBA Quality Framework to deepen our understanding of what’s working well, identify opportunities to enhance student outcomes and contribute insights that support community colleges across the country.”