Symetra, Seahawks Honor Thoreau Elementary School Teacher

Bellevue-based Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Thoreau Elementary School teacher Maryline Williams as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on October 10th during a special presentation. Williams teaches kindergarten at the K–5 school in Kirkland.

“Maryline Williams is an exceptional teacher, who sees every child as an individual and guides them to learning as if each were the only child in the classroom — not an easy task or a common virtue to find. As the parent of a former student, I wish every child could have the nurturing, loving and connected first experience at school that my daughter received,” said Eliana Arias. “Mrs. Williams provides guidance to the children who need extra help, motivation to those that can roll without difficulty, and positive challenges to those who are a bit ahead of the curve.”

“The way Mrs. Williams advocates for all children is remarkable, as is her love for teaching and her genuine concern for her students’ emotional health. Academically, she shoots for the stars with every child, giving the perfect challenge to each kid so that they can see their own potential and become a confident happy kid who loves learning. What else can we ask for?” Arias nominated Williams for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Williams 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 2019 NFL season. Honorees are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and Symetra makes a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies. Teachers also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Williams will be recognized at the Oct. 20 game, when the Seahawks take on the Baltimore Ravens.

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.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program has honored more than 600 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, including 264 Puget Sound-area teachers. In addition, Symetra has contributed over $1M for school books, equipment and programming.

Each of the 16 Puget Sound schools with a 2019 teacher-Hero is eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 grant in support of innovative student programming. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2020 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at CenturyLink Field for the Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

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