Cascade View Elementary School kindergarten teacher Connie Guinn was honored as a ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’ during a surprise classroom presentation on Sept. 19.

Guinn is one of 16 teachers across the Puget Sound area that will be honored for educational excellence in the program. These teachers will each receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies, plus tickets to a Seahawks home game with a pre-game VIP experience and a custom jersey. They will also be recognized in an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field; Guinn will be recognized at the Sept. 25 game when the Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers.

Teachers may be nominated by principals, district staff, students or parent. The winners are selected for 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.

Guinn was nominated for the honor by Jennifer Lundeen, who said, “For the past few years I’ve known her, Connie Guinn has talked about how consistently wonderful her classes have been, how much she loves what she does and how much she wants to see her students succeed. This is Connie’s first year with a kindergarten class after several years teaching older elementary school students. I’ve no doubt that she will bring the same unconditional love and commitment she always has — knowing her role as teacher is so very important and that what she does and says reflects on her students.”

For more information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program, including how to nominate an educator, visit www.symetraheroes.com/seahawks.