Laurens, SC – At the October 27, 2025, Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) School Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland recognized Bellinda Diaz as the winner of the STEAM on the Square logo design contest. Bellinda received her recognition from Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Assistant Principal David Walker on October 29, 2025.
Bellinda Diaz is a Digital Arts student at LDHS. Her teacher, Candice Iusti, praises Bellinda highly. Iusti said, “Bellinda is a very smart young lady. She joined my class for fun with friends and has grown significantly as a Digital Artist over the past few years.”
Iusti added, “I am beyond ecstatic about her winning this design contest! This proves that she can achieve anything she wants in life, and with a little effort comes significant growth and achievement. She has made me very proud! I hope this growth will help her to realize her potential!”
Bellinda’s accomplishment is also a recognition of the LCSD 55 Digital Arts program. Candice Iusti has been a dedicated educator whose own passion for the arts has been passed on to her students. Many of Iusti’s students have been recognized for their work, including winning election poster contests and State Motto/Flag display design contests.
The recognition of the winning STEAM on the Square logo design serves as LCSD 55’s official announcement of its continued partnership with the City of Laurens and Laurens County School District 55 to hold STEAM on the Square. The event will take place on March 28, 2026, at the Laurens Public Square, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event will be free to the public and designed to be a fun day of engagement for people of all ages. There will be hands-on activities, such as drone flying and building with blocks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the district’s Mrs. Frizzle (Mrs. Marsh) and explore the LCSD 55 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Bus, also known as the Laurens 55 Magic School Bus. Food vendors will be set up, and businesses on the square will remain open. Music and performances will be provided courtesy of students from both LCSD 55 and LCSD 56.
The district encourages those interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor for STEAM at the Square to reach Brad Abercrombie, Main Street Laurens Director, at mainstreetlaurensdirector@gmail.com.
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