Dimmitt Middle School Teacher Named Symetra Hero in the Classroom

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Dimmitt Middle School teacher Meghan Herlofsky as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 21 during a school assembly. Herlofsky is a Resource Learning Center instructor at the 6–8 school, located in Seattle’s Bryn Mawr-Skyway neighborhood.

“Meg Herlofsky is an exceptionally caring teacher. Through her leadership and modeling, she is teaching our struggling students core academic and communication skills, as well as ways to connect with adults and what it means to be held accountable,” said school colleague Harumi (Angela) Sasao. “A member of several school committees, Meg is always ready to offer ideas that advocate for students in both our specialized and general education classes. She collaborates with teachers, families, mental healthcare providers and students to provide quality, student-led interventions that serve some of our most vulnerable populations. Meg is a school leader with heart and humility and is an irreplaceable part of our Dimmitt team.” Sasao nominated Herlofsky for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and Symetra makes a $2,000 donation to each teacher-Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies. Teachers also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game, where they enjoy a pre-game sideline experience and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Herlofsky will be recognized at the Oct. 7 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 honorees 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.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program has honored over 570 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, including more than 250 Puget Sound-area teachers. In addition, Symetra has contributed nearly $950,000 for school books, equipment and programming.

Each of the 16 Puget Sound schools with a 2018 teacher-Hero is eligible to participate in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom MVP Award, a $20,000 grant in support of innovative student programming. Dimmitt Middle School received a 2011 MVP Award for their “Reading Workshop,” using the grant to expand classroom libraries. Proposals will go out to eligible schools in early 2019 and the winning submission will be announced at a springtime event at CenturyLink Field for the Heroes, their principals and school district leadership.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visit 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.