Lovinggood Middle School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored Lovinggood Middle School teacher Roy Johnson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 1 during a surprise school assembly. Johnson is an eighth-grade Social Studies instructor at the Powder Springs middle school.

“Mr. Johnson is an amazing teacher for many reasons. Instead of relying on textbooks to teach us class material, he talks to us and explains the information in such a way that it’s easy to take notes,” said Carson Hulsey, a Lovinggood Middle School student. “What sets Mr. Johnson apart as a teacher for me is that his style of teaching is much more in-depth. He will assign a project on a historical topic and ask us to find something interesting about it. I think his interest in cool facts shows that his curiosity is abundant.” Hulsey nominated Johnson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Johnson is one of those teachers who push your brain farther. He makes you think about what you're talking about and how it could impact our city, state and world. He helps you see the connection between things — how something you thought was only related to one subject is actually related to many others,” said Hulsey. “Overall, Mr. Johnson is an awesome teacher who goes out of his way to provide the most informative and fun class he can.”

Johnson is one of 16 K–12 teachers in Georgia who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2013 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 Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Johnson was recognized at the Oct. 7 game when the Falcons took on the New York Jets.

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/Falcons.  

About Symetra

Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. 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.