Shorecrest teacher honored at CenturyLink Field as Hero in the Classroom

Shorecrest High School principal Lisa Gonzalez; Shorecrest High School teacher and 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom honoree Lane Loland; and Marla Miller, assistant superintendent, Shoreline Public Schools. Photo taken in the Coach’s Loft at CenturyLink Field during the celebration honoring all 16 teachers (including Mr. Loland) who were recognized as 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom.

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks celebrated the 16 Puget Sound-area teachers recognized as Symetra Heroes in the Classroom®during the 2017 NFL season at an April 27 luncheon at CenturyLink Field.

Among the honorees was Shoreline Public Schools teacher Lane Loland, an athletic coordinator and social studies instructor at Shorecrest High School. Shoreline Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Marla Miller and Shorecrest principal Lisa Gonzalez joined Mr. Loland at the celebration.

Lisa Gonzalez, Lane Loland with Seahawks
running back C.J. Prosise (#22)

The event was held in the Coach’s Loft and also included a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a stop in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher discovered a personalized locker.

Inside were a copy of the April 27 Seattle Times ad honoring them, a commemorative 2017 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom brochure and Seahawks items.

Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise (#22) made a surprise appearance— sharing stories about the impact teachers have had on his life, signing autographs, and posing for photos.

The Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program recognizes teachers in front of their students and peers at in-school presentations, and they receive a $2,000 donation for classroom books and supplies.

Lane Loland received his award during a surprise presentation at Shorecrest in December 2017. He was nominated by Shorecrest principal Lisa Gonzalez, who wrote in her nomination:

“Simply put, Lane Loland is a Shorecrest legend — he is our ‘Mr. Holland.’ A 30-year veteran of teaching, he has taught every range of course and student. He has also coached and served as our athletic director. Mr. Loland expects the best from his students and sets high standards. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field, he helps every student be their best, and he does so with tremendous care, poise and dignity. 

“Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Loland was an attorney. He made a conscious choice to switch careers and teach, serving our young people and bettering the community in the process. Students want to do well by him and the staff trust and respect him completely. It is very difficult to summarize all that Lane Loland has contributed to Shorecrest, from AP scores to ensuring that our sports programs are valued, supported and centered on the right things. He is truly our ethical center— and he is retiring at the end of this academic year. Please help us honor him and all that he has done for the Shorecrest community.”

Heroes honorees also receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Mr. Loland attended the Seahawks’ Dec. 3, 2017 match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Learn more about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom or how to nominate a teacher here.