Hollywood Hill Teacher Named ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Hollywood Hill Elementary School teacher Victoria Gray as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 30. Seattle Seahawks Cornerback Neiko Thorpe (#23) was on hand to help present the award during a surprise assembly at the Woodinville school, where Gray is a physical education instructor. Symetra Executive Vice President Michael Fry joined Thorpe for the presentation, which was attended by Northshore School District Superintendent Michelle Reid.

“Victoria Gray has been teaching at Hollywood Hill for 17 years, both in the classroom and now as our PE instructor. She is an amazing teacher and leader at our school,” said Principal Denise Waters. “Victoria is taking on the role of a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) coach this year. As the program lead, she goes into other teachers’ classrooms to support them, talk with students and ensure that they are safe, respectful and responsible. The relationships that she builds with students in grades K–5 set them up to be successful in school and life.” Waters nominated Gray for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“When I think of Victoria, I think about the students who have the hardest time in school and how Victoria comes alongside them to help them,” adds Waters. “Not only will she build relationship with them that helps them see that they are valued, she talks to them about the specific areas where they can improve either academically or social-emotionally. She sets up systems that allows them to be successful and she tells their positive stories. Her presence is magical and a vital part of the work we do at Hollywood Hill to help each student achieve their potential.”

Gray 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 2018 NFL season. Honorees 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. Gray will be recognized at the Dec. 23 game, when the Seahawks take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

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.