Youth Middle School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Youth Middle School teacher Pam Arnold as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 15, 2015 during a surprise school assembly. Arnold is a sixth-grade Language Arts instructor at the Loganville middle school.

“Pam Arnold has been a teacher in Walton County for more than 25 years, teaching both elementary and middle school with a passion that always shines through. She makes real connections with her students and understands that reaching them sometimes means going beyond the everyday standards that have been set,” said Carrie Collins, a Language Arts teaching colleague. “Pam is a wonderful colleague and mentor for teachers young and old in our school, as well as a visionary for programs that encourage and promote growth in student writing. She is currently working to create a school writing magazine where students can submit their creative writing pieces to share with other students in our community.” Collins nominated Arnold for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Pam has touched the lives of countless students throughout her year teaching career. She has served as teacher, role model and friend to so many students in Walton County. She has shown students the joy of school and the importance of doing their very best at any goal they hope to achieve,” said Collins. “Over nearly three decades, Pam has served as committee chairs, working alongside her fellow educators to bring important changes to Walton County schools. She is in the building day in, day out giving 150 percent to each of her students. That’s why she is one of those teachers students come back to see long after they have graduated to let her know how they are doing in life!”

Arnold is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2015 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 Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Arnold was recognized at the Jan. 3 game when the Falcons took on the New Orleans Saints.

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.