Meridian Park Elementary School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Meridian Elementary School teacher John Herold as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 24 during a surprise assembly. Herold is a Kindergarten instructor at the Shoreline elementary school.

“John Herold is a perfect example of a teacher that leaves a lasting impression on his students. He not only challenges students to be responsible, respectful kindergarteners, he also makes learning the most exciting thing in the whole wide world for them,” said Ann Yee, a Meridian Park Elementary School parent. “All three of my children have had Mr. Herold as their Kindergarten teacher, and my older children still remember all of the positive comments he made. He has a way of making each and every five-year-old in his classroom feel like a superstar.” Yee nominated Herold for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Herold hosts family evening events for the kindergartners throughout the year, creating a casual atmosphere for all the families to get to know one another. This is so important for parents as well as students since these families will be a part of each others’ lives for the next few years,” said Yee. “He has certainly played an important role in my family’s life these last seven years!”

Herold 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 2014 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. Herold will be recognized at the Nov. 2 game when the Seahawks take on the Oakland Raiders.

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.