Symetra and Seattle Seahawks Host 2016 “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” Recipients at CenturyLink Field Celebration

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2016 NFL season at an April 28 luncheon at CenturyLink Field. Among the honorees were four Renton School District teachers—Nicole Brown, Lakeridge Elementary School; David Huff, McKnight Middle School; Nathan Maddox, Hazen High School; and Christina Smajic, Hazelwood Elementary School—who were accompanied by Renton School District Superintendent Art Jarvis and incoming Superintendent Damien Pattenaude.

The event was held in the Coach’s Loft and included a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker. Inside were a copy of the Seattle Times ad honoring them, a commemorative 2016 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom brochure, featuring Lakeridge Elementary’s Nicole Brown on the cover, and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (#16) made a surprise appearance—sharing a story about the impact two middle school teachers had on his life, signing autographs, and posing for photos.

Technology education instructor David Huff received his Symetra Hero in the Classroom award at a surprise school assembly last November. Huff was nominated by two McKnight Middle School parents, one of whom, Susan DeBartolo, wrote, “Mr. Huff gives his students a precious glimpse into what they can accomplish. He does it in a way that is exciting for the students, where they end the day just wanting even more to learn. I have had kids in the Renton school district for 12 years, and Mr. Huff’s devotion to helping and encouraging students to learn is unparalleled. He is the epitome of a teacher who goes the extra mile.”

Hazen High School student Amy Chin nominated Nathan Maddox, her geometry and math analysis instructor. “Since math can often be a subject that many students dislike, a great teacher can mean the difference between whether or not a student enjoys it. Mr. Maddox knows his students incredibly well, and he knows just what to do to keep our class engaged, laughing (with the occasional joke or two) and ready to learn. He never fails to add depth to his daily math lessons and make the connection to why we study math and its relevance to the real world. This approach helps students like myself learn difficult material at a fast pace.”

Hazelwood Elementary School kindergarten teacher Christina Smajic was also surprised during a school assembly. Colleague Nancy Polston wrote in her nomination, “Christina Smajic is a ball of light at Hazelwood Elementary. She always has a smile on her face and encouraging words to say. I feel fortunate that my daughter is in her kindergarten class and that I have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside her as a substitute teacher and school volunteer.”

Also nominated by a teaching colleague was Lakeridge Elementary School second-grade teacher Nicole Brown. “When visiting Nicole’s classroom, you can’t help but be in awe,” wrote Laretha Todd. “You will witness a highly skilled educator guiding her students to reach their highest potential with just the right amount of support. Her second-graders come into my third grade classroom with great number sense, great reading and writing skills, and cooperative learning skills which support students in all subject areas.”

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, some 232 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound have been celebrated as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The honorees are selected based on their ability to make a real difference in students' lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. They receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they are acknowledged during on-field presentations at CenturyLink Field. In addition, Symetra makes a $1,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies.

The program’s “MVP Award” grant has contributed $200,000 to local schools, helping to launch 16 innovative educational programs and reaching hundreds of Puget Sound students over the years.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or how to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.