Ogden International School of Chicago Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Ogden International School of Chicago teacher Alfredo Lopez as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 27th during a surprise school assembly. Lopez teaches fourth grade at the Chicago school’s East Campus, which hosts K–5 students.

“Many teachers may welcome special needs students into their classroom, but Mr. Alfredo Lopez chooses special needs students not only for his classroom, but also for the sports teams he coaches,” said Karen Jones, the parent of two former students. “Mr. Lopez allows all students who try out to be part of Ogden's teams. At the same time, he expects the same effort from every student, no matter what their disability. Over the last several years, he has embraced and celebrated the accomplishments of all his past and present students’ achievements. If an Ogden Special Olympian competes, you can be sure Mr. Lopez will celebrate their victory with the whole class!” Jones nominated Lopez for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“It would be very hard to find another teacher to be as dedicated as Mr. Lopez is in and outside of the classroom,” said Jones. “We were blessed to have him teach both our sons and to call him our friend.”

Lopez is one of 16 K–12 teachers in the Chicago 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 Bears home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Lopez will be recognized at the Oct. 2 game when the Bears take on the Detroit Lions.

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/Bears.

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.