Palo Alto High School Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored Palo Alto High School teacher Laura Marcus-Bricca as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Aug. 29th during a school presentation. Bricca is a Special Education instructor at the high school.

“Laura Bricca is out to make a difference in the world—she certainly changed my life. I struggled with some personal challenges during my senior year, but worked hard to earn the grades I needed to attend college. Laura supported me every step of the way,” said Stephanie Estrada, a former student. “Laura established Rise Together Education, a nonprofit dedicated to improving college graduation rates by providing mentoring and financial resources to eligible low-income Palo Alto High School students and graduates. Thanks to Laura’s efforts, I was able to obtain the financial support I needed for college.” Estrada nominated Bricca for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Laura provided me with so many things, but what mattered most to me was how much she genuinely cared about me,” said Estrada. “What sets Laura apart is her devotion to her Palo Alto High students, her persistence and her kindness. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and I feel blessed to have her on my side!”

Bricca 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 2016 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. Bricca will be recognized at the Sept. 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

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.

To learn more about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom teacher-recognition program or how to submit a nomination, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/49ers.

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.