Friends of East Wheatland is a group of individuals with a goal set to help support the communities of Hussar, Standard, Rockyford, and Central Bow Valley in the development of their new school.
Friends of East Wheatland first formed their volunteer based committee to fund-raise for addition enhancement costs not supported by Provincial funding. All proceeds raised will go towards improving the new school.
Kim Larson, President of Friends of East Wheatland, has high hopes for the project.
“Our personal goal is to raise between 1.3 to 1.5 million dollars,” Larson says. “We’ve applied for a lot of grants, we’ve started working with a lot of corporate businesses for donations, and we have a bunch of fundraisers planned. We’re hoping for two or three hundred thousand dollars with all of [the fund-raisers] that we have on the go right now.”
Integrating fundamental aspects of education into their goals, Friends of East Wheatland’s vision statement says: “Our work will enhance the facility and programing that reflects our students and their interests while honouring our rural heritage.”
The money brought in from fundraisers will help support East Wheatland’s vision for the new school. They would like to provide prospect students with 21st century learning, enabling them to reach not only short term, but their long term goals as well. Partnerships with Olds and Lakeland college are being pursued to help further the new school’s long term reach.
Plans for broader programming will give the students an opportunity to explore their individual interests. From the implementation of Home Ec, Drama, Welding, Cosmetology, to a new media room, a fitness center, an agriculture program, and an outdoor classroom, their goals are not limited. Friends of East Wheatland is confident in achieving optimal programming for their students.
“I think now that they unveiled the sign and everybody knows it’s happening, everyone will be more than happy to pitch in and support through all the communities. I think once they actually see the work starting, we will have an awesome response from everybody,” says Larson, “it’s just been a long time coming.”
The new school has a projected opening date for September 2016.
