San Francisco 49ers Academy Teacher Named 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Wells Fargo and the San Francisco 49ers honored San Francisco 49ers Academy teacher Kendra Gragg as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 19 during a surprise assembly. Gragg is a reading intervention instructor at the public school, which was founded in 1996 to serve sixth–, seventh– and eighth–grade students from East Palo Alto.

“Kendra Gragg successfully meets the varied needs of all of San Francisco 49ers Academy’s middle school students,” said Principal Gina Sudaria. “As the reading intervention teacher, Kendra increases students’ reading levels by two grade levels in just one academic year. As our AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) instructor, she challenges students to exceed high school expectations and be prepared with skills for colleges and careers. She also does a wonderful job of keeping both our students and parents informed about the requirements needed to be successful in secondary school — teaching them how to advocate for themselves once in high school.” Sudaria nominated Gragg for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Gragg 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. Gragg will be recognized at the Nov. 23 game against the Washington Redskins.

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.