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Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark was surprised at an assembly this afternoon to receive a $50,000 check, the Alliance of Education's Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence. He told the West Seattle Herald the money will help buy books, instruments, and other supplies, items that will come in handy when his school crosses the street beginning this fall to share the new Chief Sealth High School building. Jody Foster, Thomas B. Foster's daughter was on hand for the ninth such award.

On hand were many public school and donor representatives. Interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield and Alliance CEO Sara Morris presented.

"This award is given to a middle or high school principal who really exemplifies the best of what Seattle Public Schools is," said Enfield during her speech. "I think that Mr. Clark typifies the best of what Seattle Public Schools is."

"We are so pleased to thank you with this award, said Morris to Principal Clark in her remarks. "It is an award to recognize excellence and leadership and you embody those qualities(...) It's not just any old award. It's actually a $50,000 award to the school.

"Jeff has done an incredible job here at Denny Middle School and I'm delighted with what he has bought to West Seattle," SPS Boardmember Steve Sundquist told the West Seattle Herald prior to the presentation. Sundquist attended Lafayette Elementary until his parents moved to the Bellevue/Renton area.

"This is the last school year in this building," he added. "It's clear we need to provide these folks with a new facility and we want to show these kids we care about them and want them to be successful."

Jeff Clark's wife, Susie, an instructor at Aki Kurose told the Herald, also prior to the presentation, "As a teacher and educator as well, I can say my husband works long hours and is a wonderful advocate for all kids. As far as I know it's going to be a real surprise for him." They live about a mile from Denny School.

"I had no idea this was happening," said Principal Clark. "I was very surprised. Even my young kids pulled that off. This is a huge honor for our staff and students."

"I am thrilled to be here working in Seattle," Dr. Enfield told the West Seattle Herald before taking the stage. She just replaced former Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson due to staffer's apparent mishandling of school funds.

"It is a huge responsibility, but I am not alone and have a whole district and community of people rallying around our kids together," she added. "My sister lives in West Seattle so I spend a fair amount of time here. I am very familiar with all the West Seattle Schools, and I am really excited about the new Chief Sealth School. It's a new era."