^{Photo by the Daily Journal}

Franklin Community Schools has broken ground on a new Franklin Community High School Agricultural Education Center. 

The $2.6 million project will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world applications. These experiences will help prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in college, careers, and community leadership, and foster a deeper understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in our everyday lives.

The ceremony included remarks from FCHS Principal Steve Ahaus, FCHS agriculture teacher Alicia Geesey, Kevin Shelley, Chief Operations Officer at Schmidt Associates and Dr. David Clendening, Superintendent of Franklin Community Schools.

School officials said they were thrilled to celebrate this new learning opportunity for our students. With the passion and creativity of Mrs. Geesey and Mr. Batta, agriculture will truly come alive in the classroom, connecting students to hands-on experiences that grow both knowledge and curiosity.

In recent years, the school’s ag department has flourished. Students have created a farm-to-table program to incorporate homegrown produce and locally raised animals in the school’s cafeteria. A greenhouse with an aquaponics system to grow lettuce and raise fingerling fish was built, while the department’s farm includes cattle, egg-laying hens and meat chickens.

Franklin’s FFA and agriculture program raised money through fundraisers and donations from supporters, including the FFA Alumni group. The school corporation also dedicated money to the project from a $30 million bond.

READ STORY IN THE DAILY JOURNAL