Ben Franklin Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Ben Franklin Elementary School teacher Andy Arena as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 23 during a surprise school assembly. Arena is a Physical Education instructor at the K–5 school in Kirkland.

“Andy Arena does a fantastic job of showing Ben Franklin’s students that an active lifestyle is important and can take many forms. Last year, he asked students for pictures of themselves being active so he could post them outside the gym,” said Riley Frazier, the parent of a Ben Franklin Elementary School student. “At first, the photos showed the kids playing baseball, soccer and the like. But more and more students wanted to be up on Mr. Arena’s wall and asked their parents for pictures of them doing all manner of things. By the end of the year, there were photos of kids hiking, wake-boarding and participating in karate tournaments. The kids realized that it didn’t matter if they played sports, as long as they were active. What a hugely valuable lesson!” Frazier nominated Arena for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“It’s amazing what a difference a good teacher can make. My son had not been interested in sports until Mr. Arena took over as the PE teacher,” said Frazier. “In the last year I’ve seen him institute new programs that have captured the kids’ attention — including making active games out of the video games kids might otherwise to play — and instilled in them a real eagerness for sports and active lifestyles. He is the most conscientious PE teacher I can fathom, a positive male role model, and a terrific teacher!”

Arena is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area that will be 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Arena will be recognized at the Oct. 5 game when the Seahawks 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/Seahawks.

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.