Lakeridge Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Lakeridge Elementary School teacher Kristi Collins as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 12 during a surprise school assembly. Collins is a first-grade teacher at the Seattle school, part of the Renton School District.

“Kristi Collins works tirelessly to plan innovative lessons each day for her diverse first-graders. She creates a classroom environment where learning is rich, and students are engaged and thriving in their school,” said Mickey Dunn, the parent of one of Collins’s former students. “Mrs. Collins sees her students for the real, true gifts they are to Lakeridge and the world. She gives them the knowledge and language to understand that their learning in first grade will impact their life goals. We were very proud and honored to have Mrs. Collins change our son’s life one day at a time. He loved first grade—and now loves math and reading too.”

“Mrs. Collins welcomed our son into her classroom and provided so many opportunities for him to grow,” said Jenny Farrell, another Lakeridge parent. “She constantly worked with us and built all of us up with her positive affirmations and belief in our son. We know that her direct positive influence in his life (and the outstanding team at Lakeridge Elementary) taught our son to believe he could learn, be a leader, and practice his talents. She helped him believe in himself — his self-esteem flourished, and we are forever grateful.”

Dunn and Farrell nominated Collins for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Collins 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 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. Collins will be recognized at the Nov. 22 game when the Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers.

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.