Eyva Winet, principal of Nova High School in Seattle, was recently awarded the 2024 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence for being a positive role model and for advocating for and advancing Queer causes. The award provides $25,000 grants for schools from the Alliance for Education, a local education fund for Seattle Public Schools.
"It was very surprising and validating because we had turned down some funding that didn't match our values," Winet told the SGN. "It was really amazing because having students and parents recognize what we do here and our value, and that being the reason we got an award was exciting."
Winet just ended their 23rd year as a member of Nova, where the majority of their time has been spent as a chemistry and physics teacher. Winet served as assistant principal for six years, and has served as Nova's principal for the last four years. Since the start of Winet's time at Nova, there has been a committee called the "Action Faction," which is a gender justice committee that provides outreach and education and meets the needs of students.
"We have advocated and maintained our wellness center that really centers and focuses on meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students," Winet said.
Students sit on every one of Nova's school committees, which Winet said has led to more robust support and services for Queer youth in particular. Nova has several lockers containing resources that students can freely access, such as general hygiene supplies; the locker that caters to Transgender students contains resources specifically requested by Trans students, such as removal oil for Trans tape, and binders.
"Being able to provide services without asking why people need it is a huge reduction in barriers," Winet said.
Winet said LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately impacted by homelessness and poverty, and that clothing swaps allow youth to reup on new supplies while creating gender and sexual justice. Students at Nova are so supportive of each other that they even started a free Gay library full of banned books.
"I believe all principals should be affirming of the diversity of identities of youth. I think it's essential that students feel seen and heard, because especially LGBTQIA+ youth, especially intersectionality impacted youth . . . identities that fit into any other oppressed category fall through cracks," Winet said.
Nova students have their own budget committee, where they decide on how funding gets used, including the $25,000 from the Foster grant.
"At this point, they haven't committed it," Winet said. "We spent all our reserves during COVID and the budget fundraising committee is working to rebuild the reserves. Some of it they want to keep for emergency needs."
This past school year, Nova expanded their mentorship program that supports students who are impacted by numerous systems, such as criminal justice or foster care. Winet said system-impacted youth often need more wraparound support. While Nova began funding the program this year, Winet said the Foster grant is very flexible and does not expire, giving students and staff time to uncover the best course of action for saving or spending this funding.
When WInet began working with the school district and other organizations, Winet said there was almost no tracking or understanding of the actual impacts on Queer youth in public school systems.
"I think the fact that we center student voices means that we are always really evolving and on the edge of what kids really need, and that makes us a place to model that and disrupt the bigger parts in systems," Winet said.
Winet said it's been a joyful delight to be in the space of youth, who have taught Winet more than they've ever taught the youth.