NAFCS EF Royal Court 2025-Julia Hott, Katie Sutter, Matt Uhl, Paula Merrill, Amanda Braden, Karen McKinley-Boyd, Tony Toran, Braydon Hobbs
New Albany, IN — On Friday night, December 12, the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation celebrated the culmination of its annual Legacy NAFC Alumni Royal Court with a crowning event held in front of a packed house at Floyd Central High School. The on-court celebration took place just before the New Albany Bulldogs and Floyd Central Highlanders tipped off for the boys varsity basketball game, with cheerleaders from both schools joining in the announcement.
Eight alumni from New Albany High School and Floyd Central High School stepped forward this fall to participate in the Royal Court, a friendly fundraising competition that invites graduates to rally their networks in support of our community’s students and educators. The response was remarkable. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, their families and friends, and local sponsors, more than $50,000 was raised to support programs and initiatives across NAFC schools.
The Foundation proudly congratulates Amanda Braden, New Albany High School Class of 1994, who was crowned the 2025 Legacy NAFC Alumni Royal Court winner after raising more than $11,000. Her efforts, along with those of the other seven candidates, will directly benefit students and educators throughout the district.
“The Royal Court continues to show what is possible when alumni come together for the schools that helped shape them,” said Sherri McKeen, Alumni Coordinator for the NAFC Education Foundation. “This event is not just about one winner. It is about eight individuals who said ‘yes’, hundreds of donors who believed in the mission, and a community that continues to invest in its students.”
The NAFC Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting New Albany Floyd County Schools by funding programs that go beyond the standard school budget. Through initiatives such as Great Classroom Grants, Mental Health Grants, Blessings in a Backpack, and Imagination Library, the Foundation works to ensure that educators have the resources they need and students have opportunities to thrive.
The Legacy NAFC Alumni Royal Court has become one of the Foundation’s most meaningful annual fundraisers because it connects past and present. Alumni give back in a personal way, honoring their own school experiences while helping today’s students succeed.
For more information about the NAFC Education Foundation or ways to get involved, visit www.nafcedfoundation.org.
