Lake Bluff Middle School teacher named a 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra Financial Corporation, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Lake Bluff Middle School teacher Adrienne Olmstead as a "Symetra Hero in the Classroom" Dec. 1 during a classroom presentation. Olmstead is a drama instructor at the middle school.

"As our drama teacher, Adrienne Olmstead has the unique opportunity to teach students at each grade level. She has capitalized on that opportunity by building positive relationships with her students as they progress from sixth to eighth grade," said Nathan Blackmer, principal of Lake Bluff Middle School.

"With Mrs. Olmstead's support and encouragement, students at Lake Bluff Middle School have learned to step outside their comfort zones, discover skills and talents they didn't know they possessed, and, in many cases, become incredible performers and artists.

"Beyond acting, Mrs. Olmstead helps her students build the confidence and determination they need to be successful in many different aspects of their academic lives." Blackmer nominated Olmstead for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

"Mrs. Olmstead also serves as the facilitator for the fine arts team, representing and supporting her fellow teachers in this leadership role," Blackmer said.

"Throughout her work as a team facilitator, Mrs. Olmstead's insight and understanding of our community has been invaluable. Her expertise in the area of curriculum development and willingness to support her fellow fine arts teachers has helped improve and align curricular standards across Lake Bluff Middle School's fine arts offerings."

Olmstead is one of the 16 K-12 teachers in the Chicago area honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during this 2014 NFL season.

Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Bears home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at Soldier Field. Olmstead was recognized at the Dec. 4 game when the Bears took on the Dallas Cowboys.

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 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom, visit www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.