South San Francisco Teacher Honored for Educational Excellence at Levi's Stadium Celebration

Symetra and the San Francisco 49ers honored the 16 Bay Area teachers who were recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® during the 2015 NFL season, at a special celebration at Levi’s Stadium on April 15.

Among the program’s 2015 honorees was Jamie Grace, a kindergarten teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School in South San Francisco.

Symetra Community Relations Manager Tracy Wort and Tyson Banks, with the 49ers’ Corporate Partnerships office, hosted a luncheon in the North Trophy Room, welcoming the teachers and special guests.

Following lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included a trip to the visitors’ locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate.

Former 49ers Wide Receiver J.J. Stokes was a special guest, speaking to the honorees about the role teachers and coaches played in keeping him on track academically and healthy as a high school football player.

Ms. Grace was nominated for her Symetra Hero in the Classroom award by Darick DeLeon. “The way Jamie Grace handles a classroom of 24 active young children is amazing. Being a kindergarten teacher can be challenging—small kids often have short attention spans and are easily distracted. This never seems to be a problem for Jamie, who often spends her own money to make her classroom come alive for her students. She wants it to be an enjoyable environment for her class, one that encourages them to learn.”

About Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®
Since 2011, 80 Bay Area teachers have been honored as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. They receive tickets to a 49ers home game, where they enjoy a special pre-game experience at Levi’s Stadium. Ms. Grace attended the 49ers’ match-up against the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 3, 2016.

In addition to the 49ers home game tickets, Symetra makes a $1,000 donation to each teacher Hero’s school for classroom books and supplies. 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.

For more information about the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program or to nominate a teacher, visitwww.SymetraHeroes.com/49ers.

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.