Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-17

HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

EnvironmentForeign PolicyInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-02-17, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered foreign policy, infrastructure.

Full Text

HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Denielle Barnhardt, a pastor, educator, and arts advocate whose work has significantly impacted families and students throughout Osceola County and Florida's 9th Congressional District. She is the co-founder and senior pastor of The Way Worship Church, where she leads alongside her husband, Jaquan, with a family-centered pastoral model that views the family as the prototype for the church and community life. Together, they are raising four beautiful children. In 2013, Barnhardt founded Mrs. B's Music and Performing Arts Training, and since 2017, she has worked intentionally to expand access to high-quality arts education across Osceola and Orange Counties. Through seasons of growth and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, she used the arts to keep families connected, students engaged, and communities resilient. Her efforts have led to the establishment of musical theater programs in schools and community settings, as well as strategic partnerships that connect children to quality arts programs and educational pathways through preparation and mentorship. Barnhardt has also served as a startup consultant, strategist, and curriculum developer for multiple private and micro-schools in Osceola County, helping to launch and strengthen innovative educational models rooted in excellence and community need. She currently serves as a PAX coordinator, facilitating and overseeing cultural exchange initiatives that promote global understanding among students in the United States and abroad. She recently launched The Hall Institute, a Bible college focused on theological education and leadership formation. With a background in the arts, Barnhardt received arts education from primary school through high school and has performed on world-renowned stages, including Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, and other major venues. Combined with her foundation in general education and a Master of Divinity in Church History, she bridges creative formation, historical theology, and pastoral leadership with rare interdisciplinary depth. She will soon step into the Navy Reserve Chaplaincy, expanding her service to support service members and their families, and continuing her commitment to faith, education, and community leadership in Central Florida. ____________________

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HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DENIELLE BARNHARDT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Denielle Barnhardt, a pastor, educator, and arts advocate whose work has significantly impacted families and students throughout Osceola County and Florida's 9th Congressional District. She is the co-founder and senior pastor of The Way Worship Church, where she leads alongside her husband, Jaquan, with a family-centered pastoral model that views the family as the prototype for the church and community life. Together, they are raising four beautiful children. In 2013, Barnhardt founded Mrs. B's Music and Performing Arts Training, and since 2017, she has worked intentionally to expand access to high-quality arts education across Osceola and Orange Counties. Through seasons of growth and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, she used the arts to keep families connected, students engaged, and communities resilient. Her efforts have led to the establishment of musical theater programs in schools and community settings, as well as strategic partnerships that connect children to quality arts programs and educational pathways through preparation and mentorship. Barnhardt has also served as a startup consultant, strategist, and curriculum developer for multiple private and micro-schools in Osceola County, helping to launch and strengthen innovative educational models rooted in excellence and community need. She currently serves as a PAX coordinator, facilitating and overseeing cultural exchange initiatives that promote global understanding among students in the United States and abroad. She recently launched The Hall Institute, a Bible college focused on theological education and leadership formation. With a background in the arts, Barnhardt received arts education from primary school through high school and has performed on world-renowned stages, including Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, and other major venues. Combined with her foundation in general education and a Master of Divinity in Church History, she bridges creative formation, historical theology, and pastoral leadership with rare interdisciplinary depth. She will soon step into the Navy Reserve Chaplaincy, expanding her service to support service members and their families, and continuing her commitment to faith, education, and community leadership in Central Florida. ____________________