The NPES Annual Gala

The NPES Gala is the school’s largest fundraising event and a cornerstone of our community. Each year, it raises critical funds to enrich the student experience and enhance signature programs across academics, arts, and athletics. The Gala also serves as a celebration of the NPES community, bringing together families, faculty, alumni, and friends to support our students.

Held annually on the first Saturday in March, the Gala features a unique theme each year, along with live and silent auctions, paddle raises, entertainment, and exceptional food. Funds raised through the event directly impact NPES programs, helping to provide innovative learning opportunities, support for teachers, and experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and leadership in our students.

Highlight from 2026
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered to the 2025-2026 NPES Gala: Legends & Luminaries, a tremendous success, especially co-chairs Lindsay Johnson and Khushboo Rami-Patel and the entire Gala Committee. Once again, our community showed up in extraordinary ways, making a profound impact in support of the NPES Fund and our Financial Aid Program through the Paddle Raise.

This year’s gala marks the largest fundraiser in NPES history, raising more than $385,000 – a 23% increase over last year. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm that made this possible.

The Paddle Raise was a powerful moment of the evening, raising $137,000 – a 45% increase from last year – in support of the NPES Financial Aid Program. This program plays a vital role in ensuring that talented and deserving students can experience the transformative education and supportive community that define NPES. Financial aid strengthens our classrooms, broadens perspectives, and ensures that the opportunity to grow, learn, and belong at NPES remains accessible to families who value our mission.

In many ways, this year’s Paddle Raise reflected what makes NPES so special – a community that believes deeply in investing in children and in one another. The collective generosity shown this past Saturday was inspiring and a beautiful reminder that when our community comes together in support of a shared purpose, the impact is truly extraordinary.

We are incredibly grateful to each of you for being part of this remarkable night and for continuing to strengthen the NPES community.

Looking Ahead
Next year’s Gala will take place on March 6, 2027. Check back here for updates, photos, and insights into how this signature event continues to shape the NPES student experience.

Thank you to our incredible 2026 Gala Co-Chairs and Committee Members

GALA CO-CHAIRS
Lindsay Johnson
Khushboo Rami-Patel

GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Claire Barnes
Shaina Barshai    
Samantha Carroll
Alicia Gonzalez
James Haigh
Samantha Hendrickson
Kelsey Hornbach
Maria Allison Logli
Brittany Miller
Melissa Oglesby
Aly Prater  
Marisa Seal
Sarah Smith    
Sneha Soni
Priya Stipe
Heather Sullivan

2026 SPONSORS

If you are interested in sponsoring or donating an auction item to future events, please contact Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing, leyden@npeschool.org.