The importance of education can never be stressed enough. Our hats are off to all those who not only work to educate our youth but make it enjoyable.

The Eagle’s special section March 23 highlighted a number of teachers and programs that engage, inspire and excite students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

Those teachers STEAM ahead breaking stereotypes with hands-on programs that capture the imaginations of both boys and girls.

“By adding in the art aspect into STEAM instead of just being STEM, (it really helps) explain how computer programming, computer science, and STEM can fit into just about every field,” said Karns City teacher Danielle Lemmon.

As students’ skills advance, so do the challenges. Teacher Julie Hopper at Butler Area School District said that the robotics curriculum now includes VEX robots, that allow students to design, construct and program.

Butler Area School District instructor Eric Beveridge incorporates practical applications into his computer-aided drafting, electrical engineering and metal shop classes — working with students who want an edge when they enter the workforce.

In Mars Area School District, Colleen Hinrichsen, an elementary teacher, said projects are now spanning different classes, fine-tuning collaboration skills.

But in addition to teachers who inspire, we also respect and admire those who capture the students’ minds, as well as their hearts.

We salute Debbi Braden, a kindergarten teacher at Emily Brittain Elementary School, who is retiring after 30 years in the classroom. She exemplifies the kindness and caring people we want around our children and their families.

“They are learning that you just don’t give up, you keep trying,” she said. A good lesson for at any age.

— DJS