Echo Lake Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Echo Lake teacher Allison Bowhay poses in her Seahawks shirt

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Echo Lake Elementary School teacher Allison Bowhay as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Sept. 16, 2013 during a school assembly. Bowhay teaches sixth grade at the Shoreline elementary school.

“Allison Bowhay has a unique way of reaching her Echo Lake Elementary sixth graders. She goes beyond the required class lessons by teaching life lessons, so that students are prepared for middle school, where they’ll shoulder more responsibility,” said Addele Wells, the parent of a former student. “Whether gifted or with learning issues, Mrs. Bowhay has the ability to connect with each student. Her sixth graders leave her class with respect, good citizen skills and a sense of accomplishment. She is the kind of teacher that stays with you for years.”

Wells nominated Bowhay for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“During maternity leave for her first child, Mrs. Bowhay took the time to return to Echo Lake Elementary to attend the sixth-grade graduation and say goodbye to her students. It really touched me as a parent to have her there as her class moved up to middle school,” said Wells. “Through her attendance, Mrs. Bowhay demonstrated how much she cares for the minds and hearts of all of her students. She wanted to reassure each child on that special day that they made a difference in her life and would be missed. She is inspirational to the parents and students alike.”

Symetra's Tracy Wort presents Allison Bowhay
with Symetra Heroes in the Classroom plaqu

Bowhay is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area 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 Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Bowhay will be recognized at the Oct. 13 game when the Seahawks take on the Tennessee Titans.

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.