Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Kicks Off 2006 Season
Seattle, Wash. — (September 18, 2006) — The Seattle Seahawks today announced the launch of the
Symetra Heroes in the Classroom project for the 2006 season. The Seahawks and title sponsor Symetra
SM Financial, along with program partners Vulcan Inc. and Seattle Public Schools, created the program to honor outstanding teachers in the Seattle Public School District.
The project also provides funding to help teachers offset some of the personal out-of-pocket expense of equipping students with much-needed supplies and reading materials. Every year, public school teachers spend on average $443 of their own money to meet the instructional needs of their students, according to the National Education Association
1. Symetra Heroes in the Classroom hopes to raise over $40,000 during the season to help cover some of these costs for teachers.
Three teacher Heroes from Hamilton International Middle School, Meany Middle School, and Wedgwood Elementary are the first teacher Heroes of the year. The three teachers — Gina Gerlitz, David Posner, and Mary McDaniel — were recognized on the field and in front of a sold-out Qwest Field crowd during the Seahawks home opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The teachers also received in-class award presentations from program partners earlier in the week.
Throughout the Seahawks season, 24 out of 3,100 will be named Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Three teacher Heroes will be honored in conjunction with each Seahawks regular season home game, as well as in their classrooms and in the community. Following the season, program partners will also host all 2006 teacher Heroes at a banquet to be held at the Seahawks headquarters.
"Public school teachers are often the unsung heroes of our community — making a positive difference every day for thousands of kids," said Raj Manhas, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. "Symetra, the Seahawks, and Vulcan recognize the importance of these teachers, and we are delighted they are honoring public school teachers in such a unique and meaningful way."
"Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is about celebrating the significant contribution of public school teachers both as educators and as role models for our children," said Randy Talbot, president and CEO of Symetra Financial. "Together, we will show the community just how special these individuals are."
"We are proud to partner with Symetra, Vulcan, and Seattle Public Schools to salute these outstanding teachers," said Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke. They carry the true spirit of 12 out into our community."
Mr. Posner, who teaches math and science at Meany Middle School, likened the contribution of his fellow teachers to that of his favorite Seahawk, fullback Mack Strong. "Like a great blocking fullback, teachers may not get all the credit, but they do the hard work behind the scenes that makes it possible for others around them to succeed," said Posner.
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom, including a 2006 Hero roster, teacher profiles and photos, is available online at
www.symetra.com/heroes.
About Symetra Financial
Symetra Financial is a family of companies with nearly a half-century of experience providing retirement plans, employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through independent distributors nationwide. The company has more than $20 billion in assets
2 and is owned by an investor group led by White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. For more information, visit Symetra Financial's Website at www.symetra.com.
About Vulcan Inc.
Vulcan Inc. creates and advances a variety of world-class endeavors and high-impact initiatives that change and improve the way people live, learn, do business and experience the world. Founded in 1986 by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, and under the direction of president and CEO Jody Patton, Vulcan oversees various business and charitable projects including real estate holdings, investments in more than 50 companies, including Charter Communications, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Digeo Broadband, the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises, First & Goal Inc., Vulcan Productions, the Seattle Cinerama theatre, Experience Music Project, the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. For more information about Vulcan, please visit www.vulcan.com.
About Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is the largest public school system in Washington, and the 44th largest in the United States, with 46,000 students. SPS is a diverse family of 97 schools serving students in a dynamic, standards-based learning community. There are fifty-eight elementary schools, ten middle schools, twelve high schools, nine alternative schools and special programs, and eight K-8 schools in the district. We offer a broad range of programs and learning opportunities, enhanced by strong support from parents, volunteers and community members. For more information, please visit www.seattleschools.org.
1 National Education Association, "Status of the American Public School Teacher," 2003, www.nea.org.
2 Source: Total GAAP assets per closing statements of December 31, 2004
Symetra® and the Symetra Financial logo are registered service marks of Symetra Life Insurance Company, 777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200, Bellevue, WA 98004.
