Woodridge School Teacher Honored as 'Symetra Hero in the Classroom'
Symetra, Gallagher Benefit Services and the Chicago Bears honored Meadowview Elementary School teacher Cheryl Duffy as a "Symetra Hero in the Classroom" on Nov. 16 during a surprise classroom presentation. Duffy teaches first grade at the Woodridge elementary school.
"Mrs. Duffy was my first grade teacher. I'm now a freshman in high school, and I continue to see the many ways she has had a positive effect on my life," said Breanna Kinney. "My father passed away when I was in Mrs. Duffy's class, and she went above and beyond to do everything she could to help me and make sure I was okay. I will never forget her kindness, which made all the difference for me at a very difficult time." Kinney nominated Duffy for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.
"Years later, I still remain in touch with Mrs. Duffy, as do many of her other students, and I was very happy to be invited to her wedding," said Kinney. "Mrs. Duffy made a gigantic difference in my life. Back when I was in first grade, she recognized that I had the potential to do great things and be in advanced classes. Today, I am in all honors courses, and I owe a great deal of that to her efforts and encouragement."
Duffy is one of 16 K-12 teachers in the Chicago area who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2016 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. Duffy will be recognized at the Nov. 27 game when the Bears take on the Tennessee Titans.
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.
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Bears.
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.