Symetra, Seahawks Host Teacher Celebration at CenturyLink Field

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2017 NFL season at an April 27 luncheon at CenturyLink Field. Among the honorees was Ai-my Dinh, a third-grade teacher at Spiritridge Elementary School in Bellevue. Spiritridge Principal Scott Hetherington joined Ms. Dinh for the celebration.

The event was held in Coach's Loft and included a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, with a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker. Inside they found a copy of the Seattle Times ad that ran that morning honoring them, a commemorative 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom brochure, and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawks Running Back C.J. Prosise (#22) made a surprise appearance—talking about the important role teachers play in their students’ lives, signing autographs, and posing for photos.

Ms. Dinh received her Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award in December 2017 during a surprise presentation at Spiritridge. She was nominated by a former teaching colleague, who wrote:

“A role model for students, fellow staff, and prospective teachers alike, Ai-my Dinh was born to teach. Kind-hearted, yet softly strict with her expectations, Ai-my is the perfect ‘warmhearted demander,’ who wants each and every student to see themselves as smart, confident and capable of reaching their highest potential.”

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, some 248 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound have been celebrated as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student's parent. The honorees 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.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. They receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they are acknowledged during on-field presentations at CenturyLink Field. In addition, Symetra makes a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero's school for classroom books and supplies.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or how to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.

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.