Paul Villanueva honored as Symetra/Seahawks Hero in the Classroom

Paul Villanueva, Hero in the Classroom. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

Paul Villanueva, math teacher, activities coordinator and coach at Shorewood High School, and regular contributor to the ShorelineAreaNews, was honored as a December 19 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. Twelve Shoreline teachers will be honored this season.

Paul was recognized prior to the December 19 Seahawks home game against the Atlanta Falcons. He received a team jersey, two tickets to the Seahawks game and on-field passes, and a $350 Office Max gift card for classroom supplies.

Shorewood staff and students nominated Paul. 

One of his colleagues wrote in part: "Paul is one of those teachers that graduated students flood back to see him and share their life experiences. He is truly an amazing role model, caring individual and an exceptional teacher. His many hours of helping, teaching and listening have richly rewarded our students."

Wrote one of the students: 

"Mr. V is better than a teacher. He's almost like a super mastermind who can solve almost every problem. And no, I don't mean just math problems - although he could probably solve every one of those, too."

Jill Owen and Paul Villanueva. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

Villanueva was honored along with fellow Seahawk Hero in the Classroom and Shorewood math teacher Jill Owen at Shorewood's winter sports assembly on December 16.

At the assembly, representatives from Symetra and the Seahawks announced that Shorewood would receive the season-ending MVP Award - a $10,000 donation to support a student achievement program in mathematics at the school.

--Shoreline Schools