An art teacher at Hillcrest School who teaches middle and high school students with exceptional needs was named Marion County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year over the weekend.
Zanita Hendry, who is an 11-year veteran of Marion County Public Schools, received the honor during the 36th annual Golden Apple Gala, a black-tie event that was held at the Reilly Arts Center on Saturday, January 31.
A graduate of Dunnellon High School, Hendry holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Social/Behavioral Science from the University of Central Florida.
Before winning the countywide title, Hendry was recognized as the 2023 Florida Adaptive Arts Educator of the Year.
Hendry was chosen this year over four other finalists who were previously announced in December:
- Phyllis Hodges (Maplewood Elementary): A 29-year veteran educator and Content Area Specialist for math and science.
- William Lockley (North Marion Middle): A math teacher with a 20-year career spent entirely at North Marion Middle.
- Adjahnae Piner (Vanguard High School): The coordinator of the Future Educators Academy at Vanguard.
- Jamesha Gilliam (West Port High): An English and Journalism teacher who returned to teach at her alma mater.
Hendry’s victory marks a historic achievement for Hillcrest School, solidifying a “Triple Crown” sweep of the district’s top three honors.
In December, Hillcrest was also named home to the Principal of the Year, Lori Manresa, and the Rookie Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Stephens.
District officials believe this is the first time in the 157-year history of MCPS that a single school has held all three titles simultaneously.
As the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Hendry received a three-year pre-paid lease on a new 2026 Genesis G70 automobile courtesy of a local car dealership.
The gala also recognized Stephens and Stephanie Bulla, a registered nurse at Anthony Elementary who was named the School-Related Employee of the Year.
Organized by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the gala featured an “all-star choir” of students from 18 schools performing “Unwritten” as a tribute to local educators. The event was sold out and set a new record for attendance.
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