Damon Oliveto of Shorewood to be honored as a Hero in the Classroom

Damon Oliveto, Shorewood teacher
honored as Hero in the Classroom

Damon Oliveto, marketing and business education teacher at Shorewood High School, has been selected as a Symetra Hero in the Classroom. Representatives of Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks presented him with the award at a ceremony in his classroom Tuesday.

Damon will receive two tickets to the Seahawks home game against Minnesota on Nov. 4, a VIP sideline experience at CenturyLink Field, $350 for classroom supplies, as well as recognition at school and on field during game day. In addition, Shorewood received a check for $1,000 from Symetra to benefit school programs.

Hero selection is based on a teacher's ability to balance the core curriculum with students' individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students' long-term success.

“As a teacher, Mr. Oliveto gives an immeasurable amount of his time to aiding his students,” his nomination by a colleague read in part. “From staying after school, coming in early, and taking all the time necessary to ensure his students can master course material, Mr. Oliveto, or Mr. O as most students refer to him, goes above and beyond on a daily basis, because it is his calling to do so.”

Damon teaches AP Economics, Financial Algebra and Marketing at Shorewood and is the advisor to the school’s DECA club. He worked as a manager for Key Bank before joining the Shorewood staff in 2005.

“Mr. Oliveto is the reason I chose to pursue a career in marketing,” wrote a former student. “From the moment I applied for college I knew what I wanted to do because Mr. Oliveto provided me the knowledge and understanding of marketing and inspired me to pursue something I have grown to love. I owe much of my academic success, both in high school and college, to Mr. O and his will and determination to continually help me in my pursuits. Mr. O was and still is my Hero in the Classroom.”

Twenty-four King County area teachers will be selected as 2012 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom for their outstanding leadership and instruction.

For more information and to nominate a teacher today, visit the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Web site.