Echo Lake teacher honored as Hero in the Classroom

Kathryn Pihl, center, with Echo Lake principals Mary Koontz and Paul Shanahan.  Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

 Kathryn Pihl, first grade teacher at Echo Lake Elementary, is the first 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.

Pihl was honored by Symetra and the Seahawks at a special assembly at Echo Lake on September 10 and was recognized during the Seahawks opening home game on September 12. 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.

Pihl was nominated by an Echo Lake parent who wrote in part: "Her amazing ability to make all kids comfortable and enjoy school is rare and very much appreciated by her students and their parents. She is the type of teacher I wish I would have had when I was in school."

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.

Nominations of teachers can be made at the Seattle Seahawks/Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Web site.