Wauconda High School teacher honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'

Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Wauconda High School teacher Jeff McQuaid as a "Symetra Hero in the Classroom" on Dec. 1 during a surprise presentation. A vocal instructor for 30 years, McQuaid chairs the high school's fine arts department.

"Mr. McQuaid always goes above and beyond to help his students and creates an environment where we can be ourselves. Wauconda High's varsity choir has between 70 and 80 students, and when we have to stay after school or come in at night or over the weekend for rehearsals or concerts, he'll often buy us food, allow some of us to use his laptop for schoolwork or let us put music on for an impromptu dance party," said Elizabeth Alvos, a Wauconda student. "He isn't obligated to do any of those things, but he does - and we all know that it's because he cares." Alvos nominated McQuaid for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

"Thanks to Mr. McQuaid, we recently had the opportunity to participate in an event with a well-known composer and choir director, which was an amazing experience. Last year he even helped arrange for us to film a music video that was entered in a contest to be shown at the Super Bowl," Alvos said. "Mr. McQuaid is such a great teacher that it's no wonder many Wauconda graduates return to visit with him and stay all day."

McQuaid 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. McQuaid 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.

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