Symetra, Seahawks Honor Shorecrest High School Teacher

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Shorecrest High School teacher Lane Loland as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Dec. 1st during a surprise presentation. Loland is an athletic coordinator and social studies teacher at the Shoreline high school.

“Simply put, Lane Loland is a Shorecrest legend — he is our ‘Mr. Holland.’ A 30-year veteran of teaching, he has taught every range of course and student. He has also coached and served as our athletic director,” said Lisa Gonzalez, principal at Shorecrest High School. “Mr. Loland expects the best from his students and sets high standards. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field, he helps every student be their best, and he does so with tremendous care, poise and dignity.” Gonzalez and several teaching colleagues nominated Loland for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Loland was an attorney. He made a conscious choice to switch careers and teach, serving our young people and bettering the community in the process. Students want to do well by him and the staff trust and respect him completely,” said Gonzalez. “It is very difficult to summarize all that Lane Loland has contributed to Shorecrest, from AP scores (his kids rock the AP U.S. History exam) to ensuring that our sports programs are valued, supported and centered on the right things. He is truly our ethical center—and he is retiring at the end of this academic year. Please help us honor him and all that he has done for the Shorecrest community.”

Loland 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 2017 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 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. Loland was recognized at the Seahawks' Dec.3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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.

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.