2025 Legacy NAFC Royal Court

My journey through the NAFC school system began at Green Valley Elementary, continued through Scribner Junior High, and finished at New Albany High School, where I graduated in 1994. During my high school years, I was proud to be a Bulldoll, participated in WNAS, and learned from teachers who made a lasting impact. Lee Kelly, who taught radio, and Bob Dusch, my history teacher, both cared deeply about their students. Their encouragement and support gave me confidence and helped shape the person I am today.

After high school, I built my career in real estate and have been a Realtor with Schuler Bauer for 25 years. Alongside my professional work, my greatest joy comes from my family. My husband, Joe, and I have been married since 2007, and we share a blended family that includes my son Tyler, a Floyd Central graduate, and Jake, a Providence graduate. Being a grandmother to Tyler’s children, Bennett, a kindergartner at St. Paul, and Jolie, who is in PreK, is one of my favorite roles. Family has always been central in my life, and I am grateful to raise my family in this community that means so much to me.

Giving back to the community is also a big part of who I am. Since 2019, I have served on the board of Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County, where I coordinate the weekly food packing at Fairmont Elementary. Children don’t ask to be in need, and it is essential to have programs like Blessings to make sure they have meals outside of school. Organizing teams of volunteers to pack food each week has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

Supporting the NAFC Education Foundation is a natural extension of that mission. The Foundation ensures that students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed, and I am proud to stand behind that effort. Being part of the Royal Court allows me to give back to the schools and community that shaped my family and me, and to continue helping kids who need it most.

–Amanda (Hines) Braden, New Albany High School ’94