Raise the Roof Gala takes place August 8 in support of a new and innovative cause

Courier/Commentator Graphic Submitted

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Raise the Roof Gala to Grow the Future is coming! Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 8 and join Prairie Rose Public Schools for an evening at Southern Alberta Collegiate (1351-30 St. SW, Medicine Hat). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a five-course plated dinner surrounded by new interactive student exhibits, live entertainment, community partner displays, and silent and live auctions.

It’s all for a great cause. Nichole Neubauer, Director of Agriculture Education, Yuill School of Agriculture, Prairie Rose Public Schools, explains, “Raise the Roof to Grow the Future is a special fundraising event to grow awareness of and support for the Yuill School of Agriculture – the first Agriculture Collegiate in Alberta. Construction started earlier this month, and this comprehensive agriculture education program will be opening to high school students in September 2027. It is located between Medicine Hat and Dunmore and serves students in the Prairie Rose Public Schools division. Raise the Roof to Grow the Future will celebrate community partnerships and recognize major donors who have purchased naming rights to spaces in the building.”

Excitement is growing for this inaugural event. Neubauer continues about what to expect that evening.

“The student exhibits will feature ambassadors from various Prairie Rose Public Schools Academy Programs. There will be representation from the following academies: South Alberta Hockey Association, South Alberta Fire Rescue, South Alberta Flight Academy, and the Eagle Butte Horsemanship Academy. Students will be on hand to share their academy experiences and describe how they have been positively impacted by enriched high school learning opportunities provided by these specialized programs.”

The community can get involved as a volunteer or by donating items.

“We are currently accepting donation items for our live and silent auction and would welcome volunteers to help set up, organize, and ensure the evening runs smoothly,” confirms Neubauer.

Neubauer concludes, “The Yuill School of Agriculture will be the first comprehensive agriculture collegiate of its kind in Alberta. We are building the campus that our region needs and children deserve. This school will serve to inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders that will grow the food production industry by equiping tomorrow’s workforce. This project is a shared initiative and will benefit the entire region.

To learn more, visit yuillschoolofagriculture.ca. To provide an auction item or to volunteer, please reach out to Neubauer at 403-580-9654.