On Friday afternoon, May 24, 2013, Bellevue-based Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored the 24 Puget Sound-area teachers who were recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2012 NFL season, at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field.

Among the 2012 honorees was Leschi Elementary School Physical Education teacher Paul Chappell, who has taught at the school for 30 years.

Jim Pirak, Symetra SVP, Marketing, and Mike Flood, Seattle Seahawks VP, Community Relations, hosted a luncheon in the Coach’s Loft, welcoming the teachers, their school principals and special guests, including Shauna Heath, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Seattle Public Schools.

Following lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included taking in a view of the field from the press box. The festivities wrapped up in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate. Each teacher’s locker’s contents included a plaque commemorating his or her “Heroes” award and a copy of the May 24 edition of the Seattle Times, which featured a ¼-page ad saluting all 24 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recipients. Continue reading →