DGAF, Inc. Alumni King/Queen Contest Returns, Raising Over $40,000 for National Scholarship Program

 Photo Credit: DELphoto Owner/Photographer: Douglas Horne 

GOLDSBORO, NC — May 21, 2026 — Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. (DGAF, Inc.) celebrated the triumphant return of its signature fundraising event, the Alumni King/Queen Contest, during the Annual Scholarship and Awards Night program on Monday, May 21, 2026. 

The beloved tradition paused in 2025 to honor the historic 70th Homecoming milestone. During the hiatus, leadership restructured the contest format to broaden participation. For the first time in the organization's history, contestants were sponsored and supported directly by their respective Alumni Classes rather than traditional local chapters. 

To secure the crown, contestants spent months engaging the community through raffle ticket sales, plate sales, and unique special events to raise funds for the National Scholarship Program. 

Three exceptional representatives competed this year, listed in order of graduating year: 

● Tonya Lofton – Goldsboro High School, Class of 1985 

● Keshia Smith – Goldsboro High School, Class of 1988 

● Delavisha Harris-Faison – Goldsboro High School, Class of 1997 

Keshia Nichelle Smith was crowned the 2026 Alumni Queen, after raising a stunning personal total of over $23,000. 

For Queen Keshia, the victory carries deep personal and historic significance. She is the granddaughter of the first of only three Alumni Kings in the organization's history: 101-year-old DGAF, Inc. Lifetime Member and community legend, King William “Skin” Smith. King William served as her escort during the presentation of contestants, alongside her classmate Alvin Carlisle. 

"Winning the title was only a small segment of my goal," said Queen Keshia. "It was about legacy, service, scholarship, community, and giving back to the organization that helped shape so many lives, including my own. As the 2026 Alumni Queen, I promise to represent the alumni and this great organization with grace, pride, humility, professionalism, and love. I understand the responsibility that comes with this title, and I do not take it lightly." 

National President, Jamarius Coley said, The Alumni King/Queen Contest is about much more than a crown. 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.” 

Rounding out the competition, Tonya Lofton secured second place, and Delavisha Harris-Faison was named 1st Runner Up. Each contestant represented her class and the DGAF, Inc. mission with outstanding focus and pride. 

In total, the 2026 contest raised over $40,000. One hundred percent of these proceeds go directly to the National Scholarship Program, which awards academic scholarships to deserving students annually. 

Dillard and Goldsboro High Alumni interested in competing in future King/Queen Contests or seeking organization details should visit the official website at www.dgafinc.org. 

About Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. 

Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Inc. (DGAF, Inc.) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dillard and Goldsboro High Schools. The organization fosters alumni unity and empowers the next generation of leaders through