HARMONY, Fla. — Shovels hit the dirt Monday at Harmony Middle School as students, educators, and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a new Educational Agricultural Barn — a transformational project made possible in part by a $50,000 Betterment Grant from District 5 Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth that will expand hands-on learning while honoring Osceola County’s rich agricultural heritage.
The ceremony brought together county and district leadership, educators, and students for a milestone moment that signals continued investment in career and technical education.
Representing The School District of Osceola County were School Board Member Paula Bronson (District 5), School Board Chairwoman Heather Kahoun, Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff, and Harmony Middle School’s Agriculture Teacher and Teacher of the Year, Kyndall Brown. Their presence underscored the district’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful career pathways through experiential learning.
Joining in the celebration were numerous students from Harmony’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) program, who stood proudly alongside community leaders as the ceremonial groundbreaking took place. For these students, the future barn will serve as both classroom and catalyst — offering hands-on opportunities in animal care, plant science, sustainability, and modern agricultural practices.
A key moment during Monday’s event was the recognition of Ricky Booth, Osceola County Commissioner for District 5, who provided a $50,000 Betterment Grant donation that helped make the project possible. Commissioner Booth presented the check in support of the initiative, reinforcing the county’s partnership with local schools.
“As a former School Board member, the son of two educators, and the husband of another, I believe deeply in the power of education to transform our students’ futures,” Booth said. “I’m proud to support initiatives that connect classroom learning with Osceola’s strong agribusiness roots, preparing students for meaningful careers that honor our heritage.”
The Educational Agricultural Barn will include space for animal housing, feed and equipment storage, and designated areas for supervised agricultural experiences and student-led projects. The facility is also expected to serve as a hub for community engagement and partnerships with local agricultural organizations.
“This agricultural barn represents our commitment to innovative, experiential education,” said Paula Bronson, Osceola School Board Member for District 5. “By giving students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences, we are preparing them with valuable skills, fostering responsibility, and strengthening their understanding of agriculture’s important role in our community and economy.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026. Once completed, the barn will support Harmony Middle School’s agricultural education program for years to come — cultivating leadership, responsibility, and career readiness for the next generation.
Monday’s groundbreaking was more than a ceremonial turn of the soil — it was a powerful reminder that when community leaders invest in education, the entire county grows stronger.
