Beaver Lake Middle School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Beaver Lake Middle School teacher Tasha Kirby as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 30 during a surprise school assembly. Kirby teaches Earth Science at the Issaquah, middle school.

“I am the parent of a second grader in Challenger Elementary, which is one of the feeder schools to Beaver Lake Middle School, where Tasha Kirby teaches,” said Jayashree Krishnamurthy. “Mrs. Kirby is very dedicated about spreading science awareness and was instrumental in helping me bring a science program called Destination Imagination to Challenger. The program was being conducted in the other feeder elementary schools. Mrs. Kirby and her husband came to Challenger one evening after her Beaver Lake Middle School work day ended, and she gave a presentation to Challenger parents about the Destination Imagination (DI) program. We now have six DI teams at Challenger, and it is all due to Mrs. Kirby’s efforts. I am impressed by her dedication and commitment to spreading the joy of science to students everywhere.”

Krishnamurthy nominated Kirby for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Kirby 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. Kirby will be recognized at the Oct. 5 game when the Seahawks take on the Detroit Lions.

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.