Principal Mark Perry of Nova High School receives Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence; $50,000 for use at school


The Alliance for Education announced today that Mark Perry of Nova High School is the 2016 winner of the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence, a prestigious award for particularly distinguished principals in Seattle Public Schools. The award is accompanied by a $50,000 cash grant for use at the school.

Perry’s students, colleagues, friends, and family joined representatives from the Alliance for Education to surprise him with the award and the Foster Endowment at the school.

Nova is an alternative high school committed to a student-centered education. Students are able to direct their own learning by choosing their own courses, creating their own schedules, and creating unique and individual ways to demonstrate their learning.Dr. Perry has led Nova for 16 years and has built a talented team of teachers dedicated to creating opportunities for students to excel.

“Mark Parry is a wonderful selection by the Foster Endowment Trustees,” said Sara Morris, President and CEO of the Alliance for Education. “Dr. Perry is wholly dedicated to his students and making the promise of education work for everyone. He has fought tirelessly for his students and his school, and is a strong and effective advocate for alternative education in the Seattle.”

Thomas B. Foster was a prominent Seattle attorney who exemplified excellence in both his professional life and his role as civic leader. To honor his legacy, his family and friends established this annual award in 2000 to recognize outstanding secondary school principals in Seattle.