News Archives: Meet the 2019 President's Ball Community Committee Members

Friday, October 11th, 2019

Three community members are playing a pivotal role in the 2019 President’s Ball’s success by serving on the organizing committee.

Hilary Schmidt and Megan Johannson are GPRC alumnus while Sarah Duby is a parent of a first-year student. They recognize the event’s importance in providing vital funds for the College and are taking this opportunity to reinvest in its future.
The 33rd annual fundraiser is October 19 at Evergreen Park’s Tara Centre. This year’s theme is La Grande Soirée and the trio invite the entire community to join them in making memories while supporting GPRC.

In this feature, we profile these committee members and their roles on the committee.

Hilary Schmidt
Hilary graduated from GPRC in 2016 with a Bachelor of Education through the Teacher Education North program. She’s now a Grade 5 teacher at Whispering Ridge Community School and an instructor at Diverse Dance Company. This is her second year on the committee, assisting with the entertainment.

She enjoys being an ambassador for the Ball and promoting it as a truly community celebration.

“I’ve had friends who were unsure about attending the event. I asked them if they know what the money is going towards. When people see it’s for a great cause and it’s investing in students and the community, they see how valuable it is. I enjoy shedding light on what the President’s Ball is and why we do it."

Hilary grew up in Grande Prairie and moved away for a few years before returning to attend GPRC. She gained perspective on the community, the doors it has opened for her, and all it has to offer.

“I want people to watch the dance performances or whatever performances are happening and understand that these people are trained in Grande Prairie because of all the opportunities available to them. There is so much talent in Grande Prairie and it’s easy to take it for granted.”

Megan Johannsen
Megan is an alumna of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program currently working in a Cancer Clinic in Grande Prairie. She’s grateful for how GPRC allowed her to get off to a great start, having just began her family.

“They had a daycare on site so that is where our daughter, Savannah, went and it was such a wonderful daycare. You could go from your class to visit your little one and go back to your class. The tuition was affordable and the daycare was subsidized.”

Megan’s reputation as an enthusiastic foodie found her on the committee.
My grandmother was an amazing cook. She baked with me and showed me how to cook many different kinds of ethnic foods, particularly Ukrainian and Polish so I grew up making all that kind of food. I just love eating and cooking for people. In 2014, I went to Paris and did a five-day gourmet class and that was fun.”

This is Megan’s second year with the event.

“The experience is meant for everyone,” she says. “Even with the auction prizes, you don’t have to bid on them. They are just so spectacular to even learn about. You can mill around and enjoy the setting – the people, the food, the décor – just the feeling and the dancing. The band will entice everyone to dance.”

Sarah Duby
Sarah’s daughter, Darcie, is in her first year taking psychology.

“I have a real connection because I am putting my efforts into something that’s going to be lasting. I have three children and hope they all go to GPRC,” she says. “I firmly believe in education and that it’s opening so many doors for children and their futures. I feel we need to really invest in GPRC because it is everybody’s college.

“It is a wonderful feeling for my daughter to be an adult but still have that connection with her family and all of her friends. I love the College. It offers wonderful programs and I’m so thrilled that she’s able to take her schooling there."

Sarah’s responsibility is the Sweet Treats Station.

“I love desserts because they keep people happy. It is nice at a special event to have the full experience where you are getting the music, dancing and the food and then have a little treat to top it all off.”

The Ball is a must-do on the calendar every year, Sarah says.

“It’s so much fun. You will have the most memorable evening and be supporting an amazing cause. Education is so key for the future in Grande Prairie and for all of the industries here.”

Learn more about the 2019 President's Ball here. 

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