Gathered dignitaries pose for a portrait at the future site of the Yuill School of Agriculture.-SUBMITTED PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Prairie Rose Public Schools broke ground this week on its upcoming Yuill School of Agriculture, the newest pathway available to students for a unique high school experience.
The school is the product of various partnerships, including Neubauer Farms, the Yuill Family Foundation and Government of Alberta, which has provided $725,000 in collegiate funding. The Yuill Family Foundation has donated land valued at approximately $1.03 million, along with an additional $600,000 toward construction of the facility.
“The Yuill Family Foundation is incredibly proud of our partnership with Prairie Rose Public Schools and the creation of the Yuill School of Agriculture,” said administrator Cori Cuthbertson, with the Yuill Family Foundation. “Together, we are fostering hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to the land, their community and the vital role of agriculture in our future.”
This investment reflects our commitment to hands-on, career-connected learning that prepares students for the future,” said Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright. “Programs like the Yuill School of Agriculture strengthen local communities and help ensure the next generation of Albertans are ready to lead in one of our province’s most important industries.”
Students will learn everything from plant and animal sciences to heavy duty equipment servicing and operation, culinary arts, horticulture and agricultural entrepreneurialism, says Nichole Neubauer, who is developing the curriculum with PRPS.
She says she is thrilled to see the vision becoming a reality and looks forward to seeing the impact this school will have on future generations and the agricultural industry in the area, as it allows for youth with interest in the sector to receive vital education close to home.
They will also be able to open post-secondary pathways with dual-credit programs and acquire certifications for the heavy machinery used in today’s agricultural landscape.
The land, sitting at approximately 76 acres, will be able to house various agricultural operations such as chickens, hogs and goats in addition to a full farm.
“All of the products that are grown and raised on the farm will be available for the community to purchase through a store. We’re very excited about all of that,” said Neubauer. “The kids are going to be part of the process every step of the way. There’s so many meaningful careers that intersect within all of those processes.”
The school is set to open for students in Grades 10-12 in the fall of 2027.
