Ballard High School music instructor honored

Ballard High School music teacher Michael James was one of 24 teachers honored as a “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom.”

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recipients. Ballard teacher Michael James is kneeling, second from the left. BHS principal Keven Wynkoop is standing up, fourth from the right.

Last Friday, James and the other recipients attended a celebration luncheon at Qwest Field where Seahawks Running Backs Coach Sherman Smith was a special guest speaker. As a former junior high school teacher, he spoke to the group about the impact they have on their students. “I want to congratulate all of you because I really understand what you do, and you guys are difference-makers,” Smith said. “You have all the qualities we look for in our players. You’re focused. You’re passionate. You’re dedicated. You’re responsible. You’re dependable. You’re accountable. You’re convicted about what you do.”

After lunch, the teachers took a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium which included seeing the press box and Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate.