Merryhill School Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Merryhill School teacher Carmen Lao as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 13 during a surprise assembly. Lao is a Kindergarten instructor at the private elementary and middle school located in Milpitas.

“Any student or parent who has been a part of ‘Mrs. Carmen’s’ class would agree that she is something spectacular and way out of the ordinary — friendly, organized, enthusiastic and passionate,” said Chanelle Gonzales, a former student. “Mrs. Carmen not only teaches her students, but also listens to them, gets to know them and creates amazing projects with them. She can name all her students’ favorite colors, favorite foods and what kind of pets they have. She knows about the things they love and incorporates that information into her lessons to help make them even more memorable. Importantly, she teaches kids to be good people, good to nature and nice to one another.” Gonzales nominated Lao for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mrs. Carmen has made a huge difference in my life. Self-confidence is not something that can be taught at school, but Mrs. Carmen showed me the importance of believing in yourself,” said Gonzales. “Not every teacher can give you the confidence to believe in yourself and motivate you to do good work. Mrs. Carmen has so much confidence in her students, and she always tries her best herself. From her, I learned that doing something good and trying your best is one of the best parts about life. Mrs. Carmen tries her best at everything, and it shows!”

Lao is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2014 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a 49ers home game and a special pre-game experience at Levi’s Stadium. Lao will be recognized at the Nov. 27 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners 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.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/49ers.

About Symetra
Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. 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.