GOLDSBORO, NC — The Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. (DGAF, Inc.) celebrated the return of one of its most cherished traditions during its Annual Scholarship and Awards Night, crowning Keshia Nichelle Smith as the 2026 Alumni Queen and raising more than $40,000 for student scholarships.
The Alumni King/Queen Contest returned this year after a one-year hiatus in 2025, when the organization focused its efforts on celebrating its historic 70th Homecoming. During that break, DGAF leadership redesigned the contest to encourage greater alumni participation by shifting sponsorship responsibilities from local chapters to individual graduating classes.
The revamped format proved successful, as three alumni representatives spent months organizing fundraising efforts through raffle sales, plate sales, and community events to support the organization’s National Scholarship Program.
Competing in this year’s contest were Tonya Lofton of the Goldsboro High School Class of 1985, Keshia Smith of the Class of 1988, and Delavisha Harris-Faison of the Class of 1997.
Smith earned the crown after raising more than $23,000, accounting for more than half of the contest’s total fundraising efforts.
For Smith, the victory represented more than a title. It was a celebration of family legacy and community service.
Her escort during the contestant presentation was her grandfather, William “Skin” Smith, a 101-year-old DGAF Lifetime Member and community icon who holds a unique place in the organization’s history as the first of only three Alumni Kings ever crowned. He was joined by Smith’s classmate, Alvin Carlisle.
“Winning the title was only a small segment of my goal,” Smith said. “It was about legacy, service, scholarship, community, and giving back to the organization that helped shape so many lives, including my own.”
Smith pledged to serve as an ambassador for the organization and its mission.
“As the 2026 Alumni Queen, I promise to represent the alumni and this great organization with grace, pride, humility, professionalism, and love,” she said. “I understand the responsibility that comes with this title, and I do not take it lightly.”
DGAF National President Jamarius Coley said the contest serves as a powerful fundraising vehicle while reinforcing the organization’s core values.
“The Alumni King/Queen Contest is about much more than a crown,” Coley said. “It represents service, scholarship, leadership, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. Every dollar raised through this effort helps support the scholarships that are changing the lives of young people in our community.”
Tonya Lofton finished in second place, while Delavisha Harris-Faison was named first runner-up. Organizers praised all three contestants for their dedication to fundraising and commitment to the mission of supporting future generations of students.
The contest generated more than $40,000 in total, with 100 percent of the proceeds dedicated to the DGAF National Scholarship Program. The organization awards scholarships annually to deserving students, helping them pursue higher education and career opportunities.
DGAF leaders say the successful return of the contest demonstrates the continued commitment of alumni to invest in the future of local students while preserving the rich legacy of Dillard and Goldsboro High Schools.
Alumni interested in participating in future King/Queen contests or learning more about the organization can visit the official DGAF website.
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