Laurens — Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) and Laurens County School District 56 (L56) continue to partner to serve their students, families, and the Laurens community. Together with the City of Laurens and Main Street Laurens, the school districts are planning the 2026 STEAM on the Square, set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Laurens City Square.
The importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) learning has never been greater, and both districts are committed to making these opportunities real and accessible for all students. STEAM learning fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which directly impact long-term student outcomes.
For LCSD 55 Executive Director for Teaching & Learning, Wendy Burgess, bringing STEAM on the Square back for a second year is very meaningful. “Our goal is to create an event where students can showcase their work and see the practical impact of STEAM education outside the classroom. It allows them to interact with community members, apply their knowledge in authentic settings, and explore future careers. All of which contribute to higher engagement, better academic performance, and a stronger sense of purpose,” said Burgess.
Burgess elaborated on how STEAM on the Square also positively impacts the community. She said, “This event brings people together to celebrate our local talent, support small businesses, and experience downtown Laurens in a vibrant new way. It strengthens community pride and encourages meaningful partnerships between our schools and local organizations.”
Burgess is joined by her team- Dr. Kristi Tucker (STEM Coordinator), Rebecca Marsh (STEM Support Staff), and Angela Compton (English Language Arts/Instructional Technology Coordinator)- and by LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland, District Fine Arts Coordinator, Cindy Wright, and District Coordinator of Communications, Faye Colley in representing LCSD 55 in the STEAM on the Square Planning Committee.
Eddie Marshall, Laurens 56 Director of Elementary Education, and his team are thrilled to be more deeply involved in the 2026 STEAM on the Square. He said, “We are excited to have a countywide focus on STEM, including the Arts and to share the gifts and talents of our students and recognize the success of our students and teachers. We love the opportunity to showcase the opportunities that our students have in education in Laurens County and get our community wanting to be involved and partner with us in the education of our future leaders.”
The L56 STEAM on the Square Planning Committee includes Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Dr Brenda Schrantz, Director of Secondary Education, Mrs. Josie Kate Haupfear, and Mrs Kerri Gearhardt, Music Teacher at Joanna-Woodson Elementary & MS Bailey CDC.
Lisa Canada, City of Laurens Director of Planning & Engagement, also expressed her excitement for this project. “I’m excited for the 2026 STEAM on the Square because it reflects the best of Laurens—collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to our students. Partnering with Laurens County School District 55 has already shown how meaningful this event can be, and we’re even more energized with Main Street Laurens and Laurens County School District 56 joining this year.”
“Having the City, the school districts, and Main Street work together shows the strength of our partnerships and creates a unified, vibrant downtown where robotics, art, music, and hands-on learning come alive for families and students,” added Canada.
The STEAM on the Square Planning Committee hopes to make learning visible and celebrated in the heart of the Laurens community. By bringing education into a shared public space, this event hopes to strengthen relationships, inspire curiosity, and spark pride across Laurens.
The STEAM on the Square Planning Committee encourages individuals and businesses to support the event. Currently, sponsors include Bryars Machine Shop, Laurens Tool, First Steps, Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC), Crowder Gulf, and the Budd Group. For sponsorship or vendor opportunities, please reach Man Street Laurens Director Brad Abercrombie at mainstreetlaurensdirector@gmail.com.
