Challenger Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Challenger Elementary School teacher Vanessa Sedeno as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” during an Aug. 31 school presentation. A kindergarten teacher at the K–5 elementary school in Issaquah, Sedeno is the first of 16 local teachers who will be honored during the 2018 NFL regular season—and the 249th Puget Sound-area educator celebrated since Symetra established the teacher-recognition program in 2006.

“Vanessa Sedeno is an unbelievable teacher and a beautiful person. Our son was in her very first kindergarten class for the 2016-17 school year and from the beginning, my husband and I knew she was special,” said Krista Martin. “Our son was anxious about attending all-day kindergarten, and initially there were often tears. Vanessa would take his hand, comfort him and walk with him to class. She made him feel special and welcome every day he was in her classroom. Her kindness, compassion and amazing attitude will never be forgotten.” Martin nominated Sedeno for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom 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 on-field presentations at CenturyLink Field. Sedeno will be recognized at the Seahawks’ home opener on Sept. 23, versus the Dallas Cowboys.

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 568 K–12 teachers nationwide for educational excellence during the NFL regular season, and 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 education 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.