Ridgecrest teacher honored as Symetra/Seahawks Hero in the Classroom

Kathy Hitchner, Ridgecrest Teacher

Kathy Hitchner, combined first/second grade teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary, was honored Sunday, November 7 as a Shoreline School District recipient of the Heroes in the Classroom program sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is a community program that recognizes Shoreline, Renton and Seattle teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills during the Seattle Seahawks season. Hitchner was recognized prior to the Seahawks home game against the New York Giants. She received a team jersey, two tickets to the Seahawks game and on-field passes, and a $350 Office Max gift card for classroom supplies during an assembly at Ridgecrest.

Co-workers and several past and present Ridgecrest parents nominated Kathy.

"Kathy is an outstanding teacher and role model for students and co-workers. She fills her students' day with positive guidance and enthusiasm, which makes her classroom an exciting environment where every student is able to rise above and beyond ordinary expectations. Kathy truly cares about every student and provides the children with a fabulous primary foundation that will make a huge difference in their education and lives," one colleague wrote.

Twenty-four teachers from the three districts will be selected and honored in their classrooms and on the field during Seahawks home games this season.

In addition, Symetra and the Seahawks will make a $10,000 donation to three participating schools following the 2010 season. Funds will be designated to support a specific student achievement program at each school.