Alumni of the Year

The Highlands High School Alumni Association is proud to announce Amy Meyer Shaffer (’91) as the recipient of the 2025 Alumna of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on the Fort Thomas community and its schools.

Amy has been the driving force behind the growth and success of the Fort Thomas Education Foundation (FTEF) for more than a decade. Serving on the FTEF Board and Executive Board from 2011 to 2017, and as Executive Director from 2017 to 2025. During her tenure, Amy demonstrated tireless commitment to the FTEF mission of enhancing educational excellence and supporting students and faculty.  

Amy likes to think big.  She was an integral part of fundraising that supported the Campaigns for Highlands, Moyer, and Johnson Elementary Schools. Her leadership, during the Campaign for Johnson, secured over $11 million from Frankfort, paving the way for the new building, the last FTIS school to be renovated/ rebuilt. Since joining the FTEF, Amy has remained focused on building an endowment that will ensure the work of the FTEF can continue for generations. Under her leadership, the FTEF Endowment grew 90% to nearly $2 million.

An adept organizer and visionary, Amy chaired four galas that collectively raised more than $500,000. She launched new programs to foster donor engagement and support, such as the Blue Feather Society, Legacy Lockers, Highlands Stories, and the Nesties: Best of the Nest.

Beyond her work with the FTEF, Amy was committed to the faculty and students of FTIS, as evidenced by her work as Site-Based Decision-Making Council member at Johnson, HMS & HHS; Junior Achievement instructor; and cafeteria volunteer. In 2022, Amy created new student internship opportunities for which she continues to act as a coach and mentor.

“Under Amy’s guidance, the FTEF has truly flourished. She consistently met—and exceeded—fundraising goals, seamlessly merged the Education Foundation and Highlands Alumni Association, and led impactful campaigns that brought lasting change,” said Megan Abner, HHS Alumni Committee Chair and Executive Board Member. “From relocating the Foundation to its new home, to planning fundraisers, to launching internship opportunities for Highlands High School students, Amy has left her mark on every detail, big and small. Thanks to her tireless efforts, the FTEF board now operates with organized committees, a clear structure, and a strategic plan that sets us up for long-term success in both our grant opportunities and endowment fundraising. Amy’s legacy is one of vision, dedication, and lasting impact—and we are deeply grateful.”

In addition to her work for the schools, Amy extends her gifts to help the Fort Thomas community. She was a volunteer for the Fort Thomas Sesquicentennial ‘White Dinner’ and, more recently, spearheaded fundraising and design efforts for the renovations to the Briarcliff neighborhood park.

Whether advocating in Frankfort for school funding, mentoring students, or pitching in on community events, Amy has shown that leadership is about consistent service, quiet tenacity, and a passion for creating opportunity. Amy Meyer Shaffer embodies what it means to be a Highlands Bluebird. Her legacy will continue to uplift our students and community for generations to come.

Amy will be honored during Homecoming on October 24^th.

Please join us in congratulating Amy on this well-earned recognition.