Hillgrove High School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Hillgrove High School teacher Patrick Erwin as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 1, 2014 during a surprise classroom presentation. Erwin is the band director at the Powder Springs, Georgia, high school.

“Mr. Erwin is a very influential person at Hillgrove. Band is our school’s largest organization, so Mr. Erwin teaches the most students — and he forms a close bond with every student,” said Carson Hulsey, a Hillgrove High School student. “Mr. Erwin not only teaches band during the day, he also runs the marching band after school. Almost his whole life revolves around making beautiful music at Hillgrove and at our football games and competitions.” Hulsey nominated Erwin for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Erwin shares his passion for music through his teaching, and gives us the gift of musical knowledge. He is always there to help us when we don’t understand how to play something. If we’re having trouble with our instrument, he doesn’t judge us — he takes the time to make sure we understand,” said Hulsey. “For me, Mr. Erwin is set apart from the rest of the school because not only does he teach us music, he also helps us with things happening in our lives. He is genuinely concerned about our well-being and is almost like a dad to some of us.”

Erwin is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia 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 Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Erwin will be recognized at the Oct. 12 game when the Falcons take on the Chicago Bears.

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/Falcons.

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.