NONPROFIT NEWS BRIEFS: Forest teacher honored; CASA Marion earns national award

From left, Meghan Magamoll, Emily Cook, Sarah James, Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Hatchett, Lori Conrad, Hollie Cunningham, Alan Keesee, Thank a Teacher recipient Sunny Collins, Isaiah Zirkle, Lamar Rembert, Nancy Thrower, Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler, Sabrina Godwin, Julie Shealy and Justin Godwin. [Photo courtesy HCA Florida Healthcare]

Thank a Teacher honor
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County have recognized Sunny Collins of Forest High School as the latest recipient of the Thank a Teacher program.

The nomination praised Collins, a health occupational sciences teacher and a sponsor of the school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club, for going above and beyond for her students.

“She encourages them and inspires them to be better students. She helps her students find their passion in the medical field and helps foster their goals,” it noted.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital CEO Isaiah Zirkle recognized Collins during an event at the school in April. Also in attendance were Marion County School Board Chairwoman Lori Conrad, school board members Sarah James, and Nancy Thrower, PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll and others.

During the 2024-25 school year, students, families and staff members can share their stories about a teacher’s inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons or overall positive impact. Teachers selected for recognition receive $250 and an email containing the messages.

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

CASA Marion recognized
CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Marion won the national 2025 Purple Ribbon Award for Organizational Hope Story of the Year.

The award was presented by DomesticShelters.org and judged by a national panel of respected professionals from the domestic violence field, the news release stated.

CASA Marion earned the award after launching certified domestic violence services in January 2024.

CASA Pinellas, founded in 1977, was asked to extend its certification to Marion County due to its award-winning, innovative programs. This is the second Purple Ribbon Award won by Community Action Stops Abuse after CASA Pinellas won Best New Service Launch in 2023 for its Family Justice Center, a comprehensive one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence, the release noted.

“It is deeply meaningful to receive this recognition so early in CASA Marion’s journey,” said Lariana Forsythe, CEO, said in the release. “Since launching, our team has worked with heart and urgency to build a foundation of safety, support and hope for survivors in Marion County. This award affirms that we’re on the right path—and it energizes us to keep growing, listening, and advocating for those who need us most.”

To learn more about the local agency, go to casamarion.org