Hazelwood Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Hazelwood Elementary School teacher Christina Smajic as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 1, 2016 during a surprise assembly. Smajic is a kindergarten teacher at the K–5 school, located in Newcastle, Washington, and part of the Renton School District.

“Christina Smajic is a ball of light at Hazelwood Elementary. She always has a smile on her face and encouraging words to say. I feel fortunate that my daughter is in her kindergarten class and that I have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside her as a substitute teacher and school volunteer,” said Nancy Polston. “Ms. Smajic is an extraordinary teacher. My five-year-old daughter loves going to school so much that on a day she was home sick, she cried and said, ‘But, Ms. Smajic needs me. I have to go to school!’” Polston nominated Smajic for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“As a teaching colleague, Ms. Smajic is a supporter and mentor. She thoughtfully plans and strategizes how to improve the classroom setting. She always has great advice on working with students and expands my vision for Hazelwood Elementary,” said Polston. “Ms. Smajic also is the liaison for all the teachers at Hazelwood Elementary, which requires a lot of extra work. Thanks to her positive personality and excellence in communication, she has built a strong connection between the teachers and the rest of the Hazelwood community.”

Smajic 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 2016 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. Smajic will be recognized at the Dec. 15 game when the Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Rams.

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 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.