Hazen High School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Hazen High School teacher Christopher Coy as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 18, 2015 during a surprise school assembly. Coy is a Special Education instructor at the Renton high school.

“Mr. Coy took over Hazen High School’s band and orchestra program just a few short years ago when the longtime director retired, and what he has accomplished in such a short amount of time is simply amazing. While our orchestra program was pretty much established, the band program wasn’t. From the very start, Mr. Coy dedicated himself to creating a successful marching band/pep band not only for Hazen High School, but also for our entire Renton School District,” said Susan DeBartolo, a parent of a Hazen High School student. “It has been over 30 years since Hazen had seen a marching band, and while the other High Schools in our district do have bands, none had a marching band. Thanks to many personal hours of dedication, Mr. Coy has developed Hazen’s band program — to the point where this year we officially have a marching band!” DeBartolo nominated Coy for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Coy spends every summer getting ready for the fall and also for the week-long summer band camp he puts on for students,” said DeBartolo. “Every week, instead of heading home after school, Mr. Coy spends his time either holding band rehearsals or finding events where the marching band can perform to give them exposure and practice. Not too long ago, they had the honor of participating for the first time in the University of Washington’s Husky band day during the Husky home football game. Mr. Coy possesses such a passion for seeing this music program succeed and it shines through in all his efforts.”

Coy is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area 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. Coy was recognized at the Dec. 27 game when the Seahawks took on the St. Louis 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 (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.