School Districts 55 and 56 Join City of Laurens and Main Street Laurens to Bring Back 2026 STEAM on the Square

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) and Laurens County School District 56 (LCSD 56) are continuing their partnership to serve students, families, and the broader Laurens community—this time alongside the City of Laurens and Main Street Laurens—to bring back STEAM on the Square for 2026.

The community event is set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Laurens City Square, and will highlight student learning and hands-on experiences connected to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

Organizers say STEAM education is more important than ever, helping students build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that influence long-term outcomes. The goal of STEAM on the Square is to make that learning visible—right in the heart of downtown Laurens—while giving families and community members an engaging way to connect with local schools and student talent.

“Our goal is to create an event where students can showcase their work and see the practical impact of STEAM education outside the classroom,” said Wendy Burgess, LCSD 55 Executive Director for Teaching & Learning. “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.”

Burgess also emphasized the event’s community-wide impact. “This event brings people together to celebrate our local talent, support small businesses, and experience downtown Laurens in a vibrant new way,” she said. “It strengthens community pride and encourages meaningful partnerships between our schools and local organizations.”

LCSD 55 is represented on the STEAM on the Square Planning Committee by Burgess, Dr. Kristi Tucker (STEM Coordinator), Rebecca Marsh (STEM Support Staff), Angela Compton (English Language Arts/Instructional Technology Coordinator), and LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland, along with District Fine Arts Coordinator Cindy Wright and District Coordinator of Communications Faye Colley.

LCSD 56 leaders say they are excited to be more deeply involved in the 2026 event and to expand the countywide focus on STEM and the arts.

“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,” said Eddie Marshall, Laurens 56 Director of Elementary Education. “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 LCSD 56 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.

From the City of Laurens, Lisa Canada, Director of Planning & Engagement, said the event reflects what is possible when organizations align around a shared commitment to students and community.

“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,” Canada said. “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,” Canada added.

Planning committee members said the vision for STEAM on the Square is to strengthen relationships across Laurens County, inspire curiosity, and build pride by bringing education into a shared public space where learning can be experienced and celebrated.

The STEAM on the Square Planning Committee is also inviting individuals and businesses to support the event. Current 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, contact Main Street Laurens Director Brad Abercrombie at [email protected]