Raise the Roof Gala supports new PRPS ag school

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Aug. 8 was a night of celebration, as Prairie Rose Public Schools brought community members together for the Raise the Roof to Grow the Future Gala.

With construction for the Yuill School of Agriculture underway, emcee of the evening and director of agriculture education at YSL Nichole Neubauer said they wanted to take a chance to give back to the community and celebrate the upcoming opening of something that is the first of its kind in Canada.

“We’ve had such incredible support from the community, and that’s really what’s brought this event together,” said Neubauer. “Tonight we’re going to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Bill Yuill and the Yuill Family Foundation for their incredible generosity in the donation of land and capital to get this project off the ground.”

Official names for each space of the school were also announced, with naming rights purchased by farms and ranches in the region that have shaped the face of southeastern Alberta agriculture.

The event itself was owed to Cypress Hills Capital and Cypress County, which were both significant sponsors for the celebration in addition to multiple industry partners. Neubauer highlighted the five-course meal catered by Medicine Hat Lodge, as well as both a live and silent auction aimed at raising funds for the school and its planned construction phases.

Attendees were also invited to connect with many of the industry partners lending their expertise to the school, allowing instructors to ensure what students will be learning is up to date with the latest in agricultural technologies and discoveries, and prepared for what awaits them beyond the classroom.

“It’s just a really great opportunity for camaraderie and bringing together the community. It’s all the very best parts about Medicine Hat in the region all coming together in one place,” said Neubauer.

“To be at this point, I’m so excited that it’s hard to really put into words. I’ve been on an ag education journey for over 20 years, and I guess everything that I’ve done incrementally has led to this.”

As they look to the future of agricultural education and what it will mean for students to get hands-on and industry-led experience in one of the most vital sectors in the area, Neubauer expressed immense gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this a reality.

The Yuill School of Agriculture is expected to open for fall 2027.