Shorewood High School's Colleen Kiyonaga Among Teachers Honored by Symetra, Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field Celebration

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® program, hosting an April 29 luncheon at CenturyLink Field honoring the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized for educational excellence during the 2015 NFL season. Among the honorees was Shorewood High School’s Colleen Kiyonaga.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recognizes teachers in front of their students and peers at in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies.

Ms. Kiyonaga was presented with her Heroes award during a surprise classroom presentation last October. She was nominated by colleague Wendy Jordan, who wrote, “Colleen Kiyonaga fosters a classroom culture of respect and tolerance. She teaches what she loves—food and culture. By sharing her own Japanese-American heritage, she encourages students to explore and share their own cultures. The result is a collaborative teaching style that is empowering.”

Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Ms. Kiyonaga attended the Seahawks’ Oct. 18, 2015 match-up against the Carolina Panthers.

The April 29 reception was followed by 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 day's Seattle Times, which featured an ad honoring the teachers, a commemorative 2015 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom booklet and Seahawks items. Seattle Seahawk DeShawn Shead (#35) made a surprise locker room appearance, speaking to the group about the important role teachers and coaches played in his academic and athletic life growing up.

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®

Since 2006, some 216 K–12 teachers have been celebrated as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. 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. Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent.

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

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue. 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.