Sanislo teacher Randy Harkness honored as ‘Hero in the Classroom’

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Symetra Financial)
That’s Randy Harkness, who’s taught first grade at West Seattle’s Sanislo Elementary School for more than 20 years. His new jersey is part of what he was given during a special surprise presentation today – Symetra Financial and the Seahawks honored him as a “Hero in the Classroom.” He was nominated by principal Ernie Seevers, who is quoted in Symetra’s announcement as saying, “He made a choice to contribute to our community’s future by working with our youngest scholars, and he has delivered the gift of literacy to two generations of children.” This season, the Heroes in the Classroom program will honor two dozen K-12 teachers around Western Washington, and Harkness is the 8th, as well as the 1st one from West Seattle. Besides the jersey, he got a certificate and tickets to a Seahawks home game as well as acknowledgment on the field – he’ll get his shoutout when the Seahawks host the Arizona Cardinals on October 24th. The award also makes Sanislo eligible for a $10,000 MVP Award – three of the schools with teacher honorees this season will get those awards at the end of the football season. (P.S. Another West Seattle teacher was honored this time last year – Christopher Robert from Roxhill.)

Ttshutterbug October 12, 2010 (4:40 pm)

Way to go Mr. Harkness. Sanislo kids love you!

laura October 12, 2010 (5:00 pm)

AWESOME! Way to go Mr. Harkness. You are an inspirational teacher! My kids love you and so do we!

Pam October 12, 2010 (5:30 pm)

Way to go Mr Harkness, The Corbray’s are proud of you!

Pinky October 12, 2010 (5:53 pm)

Stacia Braaten Bell won the same award for her great gift of reading instruction at Madison last year so more West seattle kudos!

WSB October 12, 2010 (6:23 pm)

Thanks, Pinky, I would’ve added that if it had been in our archives (I searched for previous mentions). Roxhill let us know about their teacher last year, and Symetra sent us word about Randy Harkness today. We love to share good news whenever there’s word of it! – TR

Jovelyn October 12, 2010 (10:54 pm)

Congratulations Mr. Harkness! We are so happy for you:)

GAW October 12, 2010 (11:15 pm)

Bravo! It’s well-deserved recognition.

Alki Mama October 13, 2010 (12:34 am)

Erika (Shearer) Haberly, 2nd grade teacher at Alki Elem., received an award from the Seahawks a year or two ago. Seneca Wallace came to the school and presented her with her award, jersey, and tickets to a game. She is an AMAZING teacher and student advocate! We are very lucky to have her at Alki!!

Betsy October 13, 2010 (7:18 am)

Congratulations Randy! Isaac is now a voracious, insatiable reader thanks to you. And to think he came to your room not knowing phonics. Thanks for all you do!
The Hoffmeister Family

chris October 13, 2010 (8:20 am)

Great guy and a very caring person.

MaryAnn F. Kohl, art book author October 13, 2010 (8:35 am)

Randy, I didn’t even know you taught first grade! We have lots in common… do you want to do some art with your kids? I have lots of art books!!! :o) Congratulations on beinga hero.