Madrona, Eagle Staff Principals Honored with 2025 Thomas B. Foster Award

It was a surprise of epic proportions for Madrona Principal Regina Carter and Principal Zac Stowell of Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, who were both awarded the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence.  

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Alliance for Education gave each recipient a $30,000 grant for their school—marking the largest award in the program’s history. 

The Foster Award, the largest of several awards stewarded by the Alliance, recognizes principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing educational justice and racial equity. Established in 1999, the award honors the legacy of Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney and passionate advocate for public education. The unrestricted grant empowers school leaders to invest in initiatives that best serve their students’ needs. 

“The Foster Award is more than just a celebration of leadership; it is a recognition of those who dare to envision schools where every student thrives—where educational justice is not just a concept, but a daily practice,” said Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. “Principal Stowell and Principal Carter lead with courage, compassion, and self-reflection that makes a difference for their students, their staff, and to the Seattle community.” 

In her fourth year at Madrona Elementary, Principal Carter has been hailed as a transformative leader. Her initiatives—such as implementing school uniforms, fostering community events like Multicultural Night and College Day, and guiding staff toward rigorous academic standards—have helped close opportunity gaps. Madrona was recently recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for Closing Gaps and Growth in the 2023–24 school year. 

“I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious principal of the year award,” said Principal Carter. “This is the neighborhood where my grandparents lived and where many of my family members attended school. Education is a gift that not everyone receives, and every day at Madrona we work to ensure our students receive high-quality instruction.” 

At Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, Principal Stowell accepted his award in front of his staff. He has led with a vision of equity, cultural responsiveness, and restorative justice. His leadership has fostered a school culture where student and family voices are central. It’s one of the many reasons why Robert Eagle Staff boasts some of the highest climate survey scores in the district.    

“When I came to Robert Eagle Staff, we said, ‘we’re going to try to do middle school different’—centering the lived experiences of historically marginalized students,” said Principal Stowell. “To be recognized for that work, especially as we see real gains in student achievement and belonging, is incredibly validating. While this award has my name on it, it’s a testament to our entire staff.” 

Awardees were selected based on community nominations and demonstrated growth in key school-level metrics, including equity and antiracism climate surveys, college and career readiness goals, and academic proficiency in math and English language arts. 

The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award  

This award is given annually to up to eight SPS teachers, counselors, or staff who promote educational justice and racial equity at their school. Nominations are open to educators who: teach in grades 6-12, have been with the district for at least three years, and teach at a Title I school. A stipend of $3,000 accompanies each award and may be used at the awardee’s discretion for continuing professional development, for travel associated with such development, and for classroom projects or supplies. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.   

2025 Swain Excellence in Education Award winners: 

• Rachel Myers, Special Education Teacher – West Seattle High School 
• Nicole Petty, Health and CTE Teacher – Rainier Beach High School 
• Kels Isaacson, Special Education Teacher – Eckstein Middle School 
• Diana Bridges, Special Education Teacher Case Manager – Pathfinder K-8 
• Ross Humphries, Graduation Success Coordinator, 504 Building Coordinator – Interagency Academy 
• Keenen Allen Ladd, Kingmakers Facilitator – Denny International Middle School 
• Baljinder “Bobbie” Sohal, Assistant Principal – Interagency Academy 
• Emery Walters, Kingmakers Facilitator – Interagency Academy 

The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award  

This award is given annually to SPS science teachers who have been with the district for at least three years and teach at a Title I school. Recipients are given a $3,000 grant which may be used at the awardee’s discretion. This award was established to honor Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching and science and believed in hands-on learning.   

2025 Weaver Awardees: 

• Jordyn FrostKing – Denny International Middle School 
• Micah Ventura – Maple Elementary 
• Karla Nyquist – Rainier Beach High School