Symetra and Seattle Seahawks Host 2016 'Symetra Heroes in the Classroom' Recipients at CenturyLink Field Celebration

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2016 NFL season at an April 28 luncheon at CenturyLink Field. Among the honorees was Maya Vergien, a counselor at Interlake High School in Bellevue. Vergien was accompanied by Assistant Principal Susan Jarnot-Benthem.

The event was held in the 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 were a copy of the Seattle Times ad honoring them, a commemorative 2016 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom brochure, and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (#16) made a surprise appearance—sharing a story about the impact two middle school teachers had on his life, signing autographs, and posing for photos.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, some 232 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 $1,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies.

The program’s “MVP Award” grant has contributed $200,000 to local schools, helping to launch 16 innovative educational programs and reaching hundreds of Puget Sound students over the years.

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.