Zanita Hendry, Marion County's 2026 Teacher of the Year from Hillcrest School. Photo: Public Education Foundation of Marion County
Education
2026-02-015 min readHillcrest School Sweeps 36th Annual Golden Apple Gala with Historic Trifecta
By Only In Ocala Staff
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The 36th Annual Golden Apple Gala brought record-breaking attendance to the Reilly Arts Center on January 31, 2026, as Marion County celebrated its most outstanding educators. The evening proved especially memorable for Hillcrest School, which achieved an unprecedented sweep by claiming the county's top honors in three categories: Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Principal of the Year.
Zanita Hendry, art teacher at Hillcrest School for Exceptional Students, was named Marion County's 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement marked the culmination of an emotional evening for Hendry, who received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium.
Hendry's journey at Hillcrest began in 2014 when she started as a paraprofessional while pursuing her teaching degree at the University of Central Florida. As a single mother supporting her daughter through college, she balanced daytime work with nighttime studies before earning her degree and becoming a certified educator in 2016.
In 2018, Hendry pioneered Hillcrest's first-ever art program, a milestone for a school that opened in 1971 without formal arts instruction. The program, funded by the community-supported referendum, is now in its eighth year and features an annual art show that has become a beloved community event.
"My students are golden," Hendry told the audience, her voice breaking with emotion. "They have enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. In my students, I see brilliant artists, contagious humor, and courage beyond belief."
As Teacher of the Year, Hendry receives a Genesis vehicle courtesy of Jenkins Auto Group and will represent Marion County in Florida's Teacher of the Year leadership program.
Stephanie Stevens, also from Hillcrest School, was celebrated as Marion County's 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Stevens was first surprised with the honor during the Golden Apple Caravan on December 11, 2025, and received her formal recognition at the gala.
Now in her third year at Hillcrest, Stevens works with students with special needs and has already made a significant impact through her dedication to innovative teaching methods. She introduced new communication devices for non-verbal students and has become known for creating meaningful moments in her classroom.
During her speech, Stevens shared her philosophy of noticing what others might miss. "For me, teaching isn't just about academics," she explained. "It's about helping students believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and discover that with effort and persistence, they can achieve anything."
She compared her students to wildflowers, growing on their own timelines and blooming in their own unique ways.
The 2026 Golden Apple class included five outstanding teachers who shared their stories and teaching philosophies during the gala:
Jamisha Gilliam from Westport High School spoke about the importance of high school experiences and how teachers shape students' sense of identity and belonging. She emphasized helping students step out of their comfort zones and discover confidence they didn't know they had.
Zanita Hendry from Hillcrest School shared her passion for art education and creating opportunities for students with exceptional challenges.
Phyllis Hodes from Maplewood Elementary School, a 29-year teaching veteran and Marion County Public Schools graduate, emphasized the power of "yet" in education. She places that single word at the front of her classroom as a reminder that students may not understand something yet, but they will.
Dr. William Mark Lachley from North Marion Middle School drew on childhood memories of his grandfather's creative problem-solving to explain how teachers are like MacGyver in their classrooms, using available resources to create memorable learning experiences.
Aane Piner from Vanguard High School delivered a moving message about teachers being more than lessons, test scores, and pacing guides. "You are hope. You are peace and security," she told the audience.
The Public Education Foundation of Marion County unveiled a major initiative during the gala: a $100,000 Career Catalyst Grant from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. Marion County was selected as the sole recipient from applicants across Florida.
The grant will fund teacher pathway programming and launch a new pathway at South Marion High School in fall 2026. The goal is to "grow our own teachers" by supporting students who choose education as their career.
Eleven students planning to become teachers were surprised on stage with individual scholarships worth $1,250 each. The College of Central Florida announced a matching commitment, bringing the total scholarship value to $2,500 for students who attend CF.
Local donors supporting the scholarships included Ausley Construction, Altrusa International Ocala chapter, and contributions made in memory of Jim and Joanne Yancey and Wayne McCall.
The gala featured remarks from numerous community leaders, including Dr. Sarah James, Chair of the Marion County School Board; representatives from the City of Ocala, City of Belleview, and Marion County Commission; and state legislators including Representative Ryan Chamberlain and Representative Yvonne Henson.
Sarah Jacobs, the 2025 Teacher of the Year from Westport High School, delivered her final reflection on her year representing Marion County educators. She highlighted her student council students' work on a school safety resolution that advanced to the state level through the Florida Association of Student Councils.
Jacobs also recognized McKenzie's Moment, the nonprofit founded by Kate and Ryan Gray after the loss of their daughter, which donated $175,000 to the Public Education Foundation over the past year.
The evening also recognized:
- Principal of the Year: Lori Manessa, Hillcrest School
- Assistant Principal of the Year: Aisha Pete, North Marion High School (also a previous Golden Apple recipient)
- School Related Employee of the Year: Stephanie Bullah, Mental Health and Wellness Department (the first school nurse to receive this honor)
The gala concluded with a performance featuring students from 18 Marion County schools singing "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield, a fitting tribute to the educators who help students write their own stories every day.
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The Golden Apple Gala is Marion County's premier annual event celebrating outstanding educators. Hosted by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the event recognizes school-based teachers of the year, rookie teachers of the year, and selects the district's Golden Apple class and overall Teacher of the Year.
The selection process involves multiple stages: teachers submit portfolios that are scored blindly by committee members, top scorers are interviewed, and finalists receive surprise classroom observations. Final scores from all stages determine the Golden Apple class, with the selection process completed before the gala.
The Teacher of the Year receives a vehicle from Jenkins Auto Group and continues on to Florida's Teacher of the Year leadership program to represent Marion County at the state level.
The Career Catalyst Grant is a $100,000 award from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations designed to develop teacher pathway programming. Marion County was the sole recipient in Florida and will use the funds to support students pursuing teaching careers and launch a new pathway at South Marion High School.
The Golden Apple Gala is held annually in late January. The 37th Annual Golden Apple Gala is expected in January 2027. Follow the Public Education Foundation of Marion County for updates and ticket information.
The 36th Annual Golden Apple Gala was held at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida on January 31, 2026.
Community members can support Marion County educators through the Public Education Foundation of Marion County by volunteering, donating to programs like Take Stock in Children and Grants for Great Ideas, or supporting the Tools for Teaching store that provides classroom supplies to teachers.
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*Photo Credit: Public Education Foundation of Marion County*
Zanita Hendry Named Marion County Teacher of the Year
Zanita Hendry, art teacher at Hillcrest School for Exceptional Students, was named Marion County's 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement marked the culmination of an emotional evening for Hendry, who received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium.
Hendry's journey at Hillcrest began in 2014 when she started as a paraprofessional while pursuing her teaching degree at the University of Central Florida. As a single mother supporting her daughter through college, she balanced daytime work with nighttime studies before earning her degree and becoming a certified educator in 2016.
In 2018, Hendry pioneered Hillcrest's first-ever art program, a milestone for a school that opened in 1971 without formal arts instruction. The program, funded by the community-supported referendum, is now in its eighth year and features an annual art show that has become a beloved community event.
"My students are golden," Hendry told the audience, her voice breaking with emotion. "They have enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. In my students, I see brilliant artists, contagious humor, and courage beyond belief."
As Teacher of the Year, Hendry receives a Genesis vehicle courtesy of Jenkins Auto Group and will represent Marion County in Florida's Teacher of the Year leadership program.
Stephanie Stevens Honored as Rookie Teacher of the Year
Stephanie Stevens, Marion County's 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Photo: Public Education Foundation of Marion County
Stephanie Stevens, also from Hillcrest School, was celebrated as Marion County's 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Stevens was first surprised with the honor during the Golden Apple Caravan on December 11, 2025, and received her formal recognition at the gala.
Now in her third year at Hillcrest, Stevens works with students with special needs and has already made a significant impact through her dedication to innovative teaching methods. She introduced new communication devices for non-verbal students and has become known for creating meaningful moments in her classroom.
During her speech, Stevens shared her philosophy of noticing what others might miss. "For me, teaching isn't just about academics," she explained. "It's about helping students believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and discover that with effort and persistence, they can achieve anything."
She compared her students to wildflowers, growing on their own timelines and blooming in their own unique ways.
Golden Apple Class of 2026 Celebrates Five Exceptional Educators
The 2026 Golden Apple class included five outstanding teachers who shared their stories and teaching philosophies during the gala:
Jamisha Gilliam from Westport High School spoke about the importance of high school experiences and how teachers shape students' sense of identity and belonging. She emphasized helping students step out of their comfort zones and discover confidence they didn't know they had.
Zanita Hendry from Hillcrest School shared her passion for art education and creating opportunities for students with exceptional challenges.
Phyllis Hodes from Maplewood Elementary School, a 29-year teaching veteran and Marion County Public Schools graduate, emphasized the power of "yet" in education. She places that single word at the front of her classroom as a reminder that students may not understand something yet, but they will.
Dr. William Mark Lachley from North Marion Middle School drew on childhood memories of his grandfather's creative problem-solving to explain how teachers are like MacGyver in their classrooms, using available resources to create memorable learning experiences.
Aane Piner from Vanguard High School delivered a moving message about teachers being more than lessons, test scores, and pacing guides. "You are hope. You are peace and security," she told the audience.
$100,000 Career Catalyst Grant Announced
The Public Education Foundation of Marion County unveiled a major initiative during the gala: a $100,000 Career Catalyst Grant from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. Marion County was selected as the sole recipient from applicants across Florida.
The grant will fund teacher pathway programming and launch a new pathway at South Marion High School in fall 2026. The goal is to "grow our own teachers" by supporting students who choose education as their career.
Eleven students planning to become teachers were surprised on stage with individual scholarships worth $1,250 each. The College of Central Florida announced a matching commitment, bringing the total scholarship value to $2,500 for students who attend CF.
Local donors supporting the scholarships included Ausley Construction, Altrusa International Ocala chapter, and contributions made in memory of Jim and Joanne Yancey and Wayne McCall.
Community Leaders Recognize Marion County Educators
The gala featured remarks from numerous community leaders, including Dr. Sarah James, Chair of the Marion County School Board; representatives from the City of Ocala, City of Belleview, and Marion County Commission; and state legislators including Representative Ryan Chamberlain and Representative Yvonne Henson.
Sarah Jacobs, the 2025 Teacher of the Year from Westport High School, delivered her final reflection on her year representing Marion County educators. She highlighted her student council students' work on a school safety resolution that advanced to the state level through the Florida Association of Student Councils.
Jacobs also recognized McKenzie's Moment, the nonprofit founded by Kate and Ryan Gray after the loss of their daughter, which donated $175,000 to the Public Education Foundation over the past year.
Additional Award Recipients
The evening also recognized:
- Principal of the Year: Lori Manessa, Hillcrest School
- Assistant Principal of the Year: Aisha Pete, North Marion High School (also a previous Golden Apple recipient)
- School Related Employee of the Year: Stephanie Bullah, Mental Health and Wellness Department (the first school nurse to receive this honor)
The gala concluded with a performance featuring students from 18 Marion County schools singing "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield, a fitting tribute to the educators who help students write their own stories every day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Golden Apple Gala?
The Golden Apple Gala is Marion County's premier annual event celebrating outstanding educators. Hosted by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the event recognizes school-based teachers of the year, rookie teachers of the year, and selects the district's Golden Apple class and overall Teacher of the Year.
How are Golden Apple teachers selected?
The selection process involves multiple stages: teachers submit portfolios that are scored blindly by committee members, top scorers are interviewed, and finalists receive surprise classroom observations. Final scores from all stages determine the Golden Apple class, with the selection process completed before the gala.
What does the Marion County Teacher of the Year receive?
The Teacher of the Year receives a vehicle from Jenkins Auto Group and continues on to Florida's Teacher of the Year leadership program to represent Marion County at the state level.
What is the Career Catalyst Grant?
The Career Catalyst Grant is a $100,000 award from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations designed to develop teacher pathway programming. Marion County was the sole recipient in Florida and will use the funds to support students pursuing teaching careers and launch a new pathway at South Marion High School.
When is the next Golden Apple Gala?
The Golden Apple Gala is held annually in late January. The 37th Annual Golden Apple Gala is expected in January 2027. Follow the Public Education Foundation of Marion County for updates and ticket information.
Where was the 2026 Golden Apple Gala held?
The 36th Annual Golden Apple Gala was held at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Florida on January 31, 2026.
How can I support Marion County teachers?
Community members can support Marion County educators through the Public Education Foundation of Marion County by volunteering, donating to programs like Take Stock in Children and Grants for Great Ideas, or supporting the Tools for Teaching store that provides classroom supplies to teachers.
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*Photo Credit: Public Education Foundation of Marion County*
Golden Apple
Teacher of the Year
Hillcrest School
Education
Marion County
Reilly Arts Center
Public Education Foundation
Zanita Hendry
Stephanie Stevens
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