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The Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial Team Up to Honor Seattle Public School Teachers

Posted on: Thursday, 6 September 2007, 15:07 CDT

The 2007-2008 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program kicks off this week, with the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial honoring Seattle Public School teachers for educational excellence. Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recognizes local teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills throughout the Seahawks season.

Twenty-four exceptional teachers are selected from the district's 3,100 educators to receive the award. These teachers will be honored both in their classrooms and on the field during Seahawks' home games this season.

Symetra also hopes to raise over $45,000 to outfit Seattle classrooms with books and supplies. In addition to providing support for classroom supplies, teachers at a number of high-poverty elementary and K-8 schools will use the funds to select and purchase books for students.

Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson said, "We know that the most critical element for student achievement is to have a highly effective teacher in every classroom. I am delighted that the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program celebrates their outstanding accomplishments and gives them the recognition that they deserve. Community partnerships are vital to this district, so it's great to see the Seahawks and Symetra step up to support local educators."

Several National Football League players participated in the program last season by surprising teachers and students in their schools, and some even honored their own former teachers during away games. Josh Brown, Leroy Hill, Darryl Tapp, Craig Terril, Tom Ashworth, Grant Wistrom, Darrell Jackson and Joe Tafoya were among the players involved.

Hill, who is a Seahawks outside linebacker, said "These teachers represent the very best of what it means to be an educator. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, creativity and dedication fill their classrooms everyday, making it an environment where students can succeed."

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom, is available at www.symetra.com/heroes.

About Symetra Financial

Symetra Financial has a half-century of experience providing retirement plans, employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through independent advisors and agents nationwide. The company has approximately $20 billion in assets1 and is owned by an investor group led by White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. For more information, visit www.symetra.com/aboutus/.

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 nearly 46,000 students. The district offers 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 Source: Total GAAP assets per financial statements of June 30, 2007.

Source: Business Wire

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