Redmond Middle School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Redmond Middle School teacher Rathan Mahendran as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 18 during a surprise assembly. Seattle Seahawk Defensive End Cliff Avril attended the ceremony as a special guest presenter. Mahendran is a sixth-grade Science and Mathematics instructor at the middle school.

“Mr. Mahendran goes beyond the duty of being a teacher — students see him as a mentor, role model and an integral part of the school community,” said Christine Ito, a former student. “I was a student at Norman Rockwell Elementary in Redmond during Mr. Mahendran’s first year teaching sixth grade. His creativity, dedication and love for teaching resonated with me. I appreciated how much time and creativity he put into his lessons and still remember them to this day. In fact, I am now a graduate student at the University of Washington pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching — and having Mr. Mahendran as a teacher was unquestionably the defining moment in my decision to become an educator. I aspire to have the same lasting impact on students that Mr. Mahendran has had.”

Ito nominated Mahendran for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Mahendran 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 2014 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. Mahendran will be recognized at the Nov. 23 game when the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals.

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.