Paula Merrill

 

My journey through the NAFC school system gave me the confidence, encouragement, and work ethic that shaped who I am today. From Greenville Elementary to Floyd Central Junior High and graduating from Floyd Central High School in 1989, I was surrounded by teachers and mentors who poured into me and believed in my potential. They taught me perseverance and showed me how to handle criticism and use it to grow. Those lessons have guided me through every chapter of my life.

Music, theatre, and the arts were central to my high school experience. I played flute in marching band, orchestra, and concert band, sang in choir, and was deeply involved in theatre. Teachers like Glenn Edwards, Doug Elmore, Harold Yankey, Phil Thomas, and Mick Neely not only gave me the skills to perform but also remained lifelong influences, staying connected and cheering me on as I pursued my dreams. After graduating from Ball State with a degree in Musical Theatre, I returned to the community I loved, teaching at Weber School of Dance, where I had been a student since the age of five. By 2001, I became Owner and Director, continuing the legacy of a studio dedicated to ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theatre.

My life has been devoted to encouraging young people to grow in confidence through the arts. Whether watching my students shine on stage or performing myself in shows at Derby Dinner Playhouse and the former Music Theatre of Louisville, I have seen firsthand how music and theatre can transform lives. At Weber School of Dance, we provide scholarships to students in need and host annual food drives for students in our community. Feeding kids and lifting up youth has always been close to my heart.

Supporting the NAFC Education Foundation feels like a natural extension of that mission. The Foundation supports teachers beyond what the school system can provide, and in doing so, creates better opportunities for every student. I respect and admire the work being done, and I am honored to be part of the Royal Court to give back to the schools and community that gave so much to me.

–Paula Merrill, Floyd Central High School ’89

Paula Merrill