Symetra and Seattle Seahawks Host 16 "Symetra Heroes in the Classroom" Recipients at CenturyLink Field Celebration

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers who were recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2014 NFL season, at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field on March 20.

Among the 2014 honorees was Rathan Mahendran, a sixth-grade science and mathematics instructor at Redmond Middle School. He was nominated by a former student, who wrote in her nomination, “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. 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 he has had.”

Jim Pirak, Symetra SVP, Marketing, and Mike Flood, Seattle Seahawks VP, Community Relations & Special Projects, hosted a luncheon in the Coach’s Loft, welcoming the teachers, their school principals and district superintendents.

Following lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included taking in a view of the field from the press box. The festivities wrapped up in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate. Each teacher’s locker’s contents included a plaque commemorating his or her “Heroes” award and a copy of the March 20 edition of the Seattle Times, which featured a ¼-page ad saluting all 16 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recipients.

Seahawks Linebacker Brock Coyle was a special guest, joining the teachers, principals and guests in the players’ locker room. “You’re here for these kids and you teach these kids. But truly know and understand the impact you can have on young kids’ lives because truly with me, it’s the case,” said Coyle, who made the team last year as a rookie free agent from the University of Montana. “You guys are a huge influence in young people’s lives and, honestly, I look up to people like you because you guys are really the people who make the difference in the community and in life.” [Read more about the 2014 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom teachers’ visit with Coyle on the Seattle Seahawks website: Brock Coyle on Symetra Heroes: ‘They’re the important ones’]

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®
Since 2006, 200 Puget Sound-area teachers have been honored as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Teachers 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. 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. For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.