Sand Point Schoolteacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Sand Point Elementary School teacher Zoe Manzo as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 26 during a surprise school presentation. Manzo teaches 4th and 5th grade at the K–5 school located in Seattle’s Sand Point neighborhood.

“Zoe Manzo teaches at the highest level and brings a sense of confidence, creativity and excellence to her instruction. I had the privilege of serving as a volunteer in her classroom and saw firsthand her engaging, encouraging style of teaching. She is dynamic, fun and truly cares about each student’s progress and success, both academically and in life!” said Tracy Brown, the parent of a former student. “Ms. Manzo teaches a diverse group of students — some traditional learners, some who have come from other countries, some with very challenging home lives, and some who learn very differently than others. She never fails to meet each student exactly where he or she needs to be met. She genuinely cares about the growth and success of Sand Point’s students.” Brown nominated Manzo 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. Manzo will be recognized at the Nov. 15 game, when the Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers.

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. 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.