Country singer comes home for Jasper Place concert

By Christina Zoernig

EDMONTON – A west Edmonton high school will host a benefit concert in December featuring one of its own alumni: country music singer Adam Gregory.

Jasper Place High School, at 8950 163 St., will be abuzz with the Edmonton Public School Foundation’s benefit concert on Dec. 19.

In 2003, Gregory celebrated his high school graduation before launching into his country music career.  Now, almost eight years later, he will walk the halls once more before performing in the gymnasium to raise funds for all-day kindergarten programs for Edmonton elementary schools.  It’s his way to give back.

“I just think it’s a great thing and brings awareness,” said Gregory.  “I’m always glad to help out in areas like this as much as possible.”

The show will feature a choir from Youngstown elementary school and a Spanish choir from Jasper Place High School in a family-oriented concert before Gregory takes the gymnasium stage.

“I’ve been able to achieve a lot of good stuff in my life so far with my career,” said Gregory.  “I think it’s a great example to people to tell them… if you don’t give up, that your dreams do come true if you work hard towards them.”

The 26-year-old native Edmontonian released three albums before moving to his Nashville home in 2007.  His most recent album to date, Crazy Days, was released in 2009.

The country star is aiming to release a new album at the beginning of January.

It’s more than just a concert for Sandra Woitas, the director of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.

“We want people to go home with the idea of the great things going on at Edmonton public schools,” said Woitas, “and the great things the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is doing.”

Launched in February 2010, the foundation is dedicated to fundraising for all-day kindergarten programs in the Edmonton area to give children the strong foundation they need before entering Grade 1 – regardless of the circumstances those children may be in.

The foundation is currently funding three all-day kindergarten programs at Mee-Yah-Noh School, Lauderdale School and Tipaskan School. There are 12 other schools across Edmonton on the waiting list.

Alberta Education covers only half-day kindergarten programs, but research shows that full-day programs can help disadvantaged kids do better.  Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk is advocating for full-day programs, but for now, organizations like EPS Foundation must raise the remaining amount to extend it to a full day.

“We want to narrow the gap to make sure that those kids are on the same playing field as those in middle-income neighbourhoods,” said Woitas.

All proceeds from the Adam Gregory concert will go towards a full-day kindergarten classroom, and none will go towards administrative costs.

The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Jasper Place High School gymnasium.  The doors will open at 6 p.m., and there will be no assigned seating.

Tickets are priced at $25 per person or $100 maximum for a group of five and are available through Metro Continuing Education.