2024 Legacy NAFC Royal Court

I’m a Floyd County girl through and through! I attended Green Valley Elementary and Scribner Junior High. During my 8th grade year, we moved from New Albany to Floyds Knobs where I finished my education at Floyd Central High School. I always enjoyed school, both for the learning opportunities AND for the social connections, and I was intrinsically geared toward success. I enjoyed the challenge of the most advanced coursework while also balancing time in sports, a job, and extracurriculars - National Honor Society, Student Council, Speech competitions, and Varsity Soccer to name a few. While I was predominantly a straight-A student, I do remember my 3rd grade year when I received a “C” in conduct because I was - you guessed it - too talkative! My academic accomplishments at a Blue Ribbon school such as Floyd Central prepared me to attend Vanderbilt University and later earn both my Masters and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Louisville.

​Throughout my time in school, I was fortunate to have amazing teachers who went above and beyond in their commitment to their students. When thinking what makes certain teachers stand out, it was those who invested in me beyond the framework of the class or subject. Those who saw my strengths and value as a person above anything else. Teachers like Bill Krammes (AP Calculus & AP Trigonometry), Rusty Cecil (Geometry), Kathy Bixler (French), and Wayne Newton (5th grade) had a lasting impact on me. And my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Simms, who gave me that terrible conduct grade, still turned out to be one of my favorite teachers! It was through the academic opportunities and support of so many fantastic teachers in the NAFC school system that helped shape my self-confidence, independence and determination that has continued to positively impact my life.

After developing and leading gold-standard programming at Down Syndrome of Louisville until 2015, my husband and I took a leap of faith and followed our passion for cooking and hospitality, opening Chateau Bourbon, an award-winning bourbon-themed bed & breakfast. In that time, I’ve found that feeding people—literally and figuratively—is an act of service that brings joy into people’s lives, which is something I strive to do every day. The efforts of the NAFC Education Foundation strongly align with my personal values and passions in ways related to this and many others. From “Blessings in a Backpack” providing weekend meals to kids in need, to the Mental Health Grants available to assist teachers in developing programming to support and strengthen students’ self-esteem, coping strategies, and more - these programs have a deep and lasting impact on each child they reach. I believe it’s essential that we contribute to programs like these to ensure that every student has access to the path to success that I did—opportunities that help them discover and develop their gifts, joy, and passions - and have the courage to go after them. That’s why I’m proud to be part of the 2024 Royal Court, giving back to the community that gave so much to me.

Support me and I will support YOU!
For every $25 donated, you will be entered into a drawing for a package at Chateau Bourbon valued at over $1500! Package includes a 2-night inclusive stay in the suite of your choice and a variety of gift cards from partnering businesses within Norton Commons. PLUS, the total amount you donate will be gifted back to you to select from enhancements to add to your stay – such as in-room massage, handmade chocolates, and champagne to name a few!

Every $25 you donate = 1 chance 

Winner will be announced on December 14th

-Missy Hillock, Floyd Central High School '97