Schools
Symetra, Seahawks Celebrate Sam Smith Schoolteacher
Third-grade teacher Cara Byrne was one of 16 local educators honored as 2017 Symetra Hero in the Classroom
Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2017 NFL season at an April 27 luncheon at CenturyLink Field. Among the honorees was Cara Byrne, a third-grade teacher at Samantha Smith Elementary School in Sammamish. School principal Jamie Warner joined Ms. Byrne for the festivities.
The event was held in the Coach’s Loft and also included a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker. Inside were a copy of the April 27 Seattle Times ad honoring them, a commemorative 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom brochure and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise (#22) made a surprise appearance—sharing stories about the impact teachers have had on his life, signing autographs, and posing for photos.
The Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program recognizes teachers in front of their students and peers at in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation for classroom books and supplies.
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Ms. Byrne received her award during a surprise presentation at school in October 2017. She was nominated by the parent of a student, who wrote: “Ms. Byrne works to ensure that her students will be successful in life as well as setting them up for academic success. Most notably, she helps children develop the social and emotional skills they will need to become well-integrated members of society. Not only does she teach her young charges math, science, social studies and reading, she also instructs them in how to respect one another, how to listen and take turns in conversations, and other important life skills they’ll need beyond the classroom.”
Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. To learn more about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom or how to nominate a teacher, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Seahawks.