Tim Hudak Board Chair – The Academy’s Annual Inspection and Open House on May 13 was a fabulous event. It was great to see so many community members who really enjoyed seeing the campus and stu­dents in action, it was an opportunity to showcase to prospective parents and students what RLA is all about, the students’ displays and activities were very engaging, and, of course, the students all looked great on parade.

Annual Inspection is the beginning of the end of the year. It is followed in quick succession by the school’s end of year activ­ities such as the RCACC Annual Review, Exams, end of year trips, and graduation.

This year, our June events include the Robert Land Academy Gala Event. This gala dinner is the school’s major fundrais­er. Last year the gala, with the help of Layne The Auctionista, raised a significant portion of the funds needed to build a new science lab.

I was very happy to see the science lab officially opened at Annual In­spection and to know how many of our parents, alumni, staff and sup­porters helped make it happen.

I’m looking forward to this year’s gala on Satur­day, June 10, 2023. I’ve already purchased my tickets and I’m hoping to see a great deal of the RLA family there.

The Gala is when we present the John Brant Award to a community leader who exemplifies the values of RLA in their work and life. This year’s recipient is Christine Elliott, former Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

This year’s gala, which once again features the dynamic and entertaining Layne The Auctionista, is raising funds for the Founder’s Schol­arship Fund. We’re focusing on the scholarship fund this year in anticipation of many more families needing some financial support for their sons to attend RLA. Building our scholarship fund this year will allow us to help so many more boys reach their full potential in a year when the cost of living is rising and inflation is at its highest rate ever.

The Founder’s Scholarship Fund has helped numerous families over the years find the structure and guidance their sons needed to find their success.

Your attendance at the gala or your participation online if you can’t attend in person; and your support through donations and bidding on auction items will allow us to ad­dress the emerging need for schol­arship funds in the coming year.

The gala is just two weeks away. I hope you will purchase your tick­ets today, so you don’t miss out on this fun evening that supports the Academy and our students.