During a special faculty meeting this afternoon at Price Middle School, Principal Sterling Christy told his teachers and staff that they were here “to recognize the work of one of your peers.” Price Middle’s Janice Johnson, a 21-year veteran teacher at Atlanta Public Schools, had no idea she was going to be named one of Symetra’s “Heroes in the Classroom.”
Symetra Heroes in the Classroom, presented by SunTrust Bank, is a community program that recognizes 16 Georgia teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills during the Atlanta Falcons season. Johnson is the second teacher from Atlanta Public Schools to be presented with this award.
Lee Epps of SunTrust Bank, who announced Johnson as a “Hero,” said, “This is really a homecoming for me. I have strong ties with the Carver homes and Lakewood community and I used to visit this school on a number of occasions. Education is really the foundation for what we do in life and what our kids do in life, and we are here to honor Ms. Johnson for her work in the classroom.”
Epps also presented Price Middle School with a check for $1,000 on behalf of SunTrust, Symetra and the Falcons. Principal Christy said the school is pleased with all of the accolades that Johnson brings to the school. Peyton Gallagher of the Atlanta Falcons presented Johnson with a $250 gift card from OfficeMax for school supplies, a “Heroes” award certificate, a Falcons goodie bag, and two tickets to the Falcons home opener Sept. 19 against the Arizona Cardinals. She also received a jersey autographed by Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez and a video by Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas for her students. In addition, Johnson was invited to participate in the pre-game VIP sideline experience for a special on-field presentation and video board recognition in her honor.
“On the 25-yard line, Ms. Johnson will be able to rub elbows with the likes of Matt Ryan,” said Gallagher, referring to the team’s quarterback. “We’ve received 200 nominations from teachers, students and parents. It is a big honor to be recognized in front of 70,000 fans.”
About Symetra Financial
Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE:SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefits consultants, financial institutions and independent agents and advisors. Symetra works closely with business partners to build strong communities across the country. For more information about Symetra’s Heroes in the Classroom program, visit www.symetra.com/heroes/falcons.
Talk Up APS 
I MISS PRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL I WISH I CAN COME BACK BUT IM AT BROWN RIGHT NOW SOOO……. LOVE FROM ERIN DOWNING
Congratulations Ms. Johnson!
Ms. Johnson you truly are an unsung hero! The time, commitment and dedication you provide your students, speaks volumes of your valiant efforts to ensure they receive a quality education.
Thank you for your loyalty to the students of Atlanta Public Schools.
Go Wildcats!!!