Symetra and Seattle Seahawks Host 2015 "Symetra Heroes in the Classroom" Recipients at CenturyLink Field Celebration

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® program, hosting an April 29 luncheon at CenturyLink Field honoring the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized for educational excellence during the 2015 NFL season. Among the honorees was Bellevue Big Picture School’s Kaarina Aufranc.

The Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program recognizes teachers in front of their students and peers at in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. Ms. Aufranc was presented with her Heroes award during a surprise assembly last November. She was nominated by school principal Bethany Spinler, who wrote:

“Kaarina Aufranc has a very positive impact on Big Picture students each and every day. She excites students with projects and helps them see the value of writing persuasively, dissecting difficult literature, and communicating with purpose. I hear many students say that Kaarina cares about them as learners and as people—and that she supports them in ways that really work. Her classroom teaching is top-notch and her ability to really listen to kids and connect with them is impressive as she works with them to pave successful pathways to college.”

Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Ms. Aufranc attended the Seahawks’ Nov. 29, 2015 match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The April 29 reception was followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker. Inside were a copy of the day's Seattle Times, which featured an ad honoring the teachers, a commemorative 2015 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom booklet and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawk DeShawn Shead (#35) made a surprise locker room appearance, speaking to the group about the important role teachers and coaches played in his academic and athletic life growing up.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, some 216 K–12 teachers have been celebrated as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. 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. Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent.

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

About Symetra
Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue. 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.