Hobbs teacher receives STEAM grant

MILTON — Kristy Sirmons of Hobbs Middle School recently received two grants that will allow her to purchase supplies for her classroom to support the science, technology, engineering, arts and math — or STEAM — initiative within the county and the school.

Sirmons is in her 13^th year of teaching in Santa Rosa County and in her third year being a STEAM Innovator. Sirmons teaches art at Hobbs, but she also is certified to teach science, math and gifted studies.

Sirmons said she applied for multiple grants at the start of the school year. She received an Accel grant for approximately $1,000 in early November, and learned that she received another grant for approximately $500 before Thanksgiving.

The Society of American Military Engineers Emerald Coast Post awarded a $531.13 grant to Sirmons. Traci Deward, a member of the organization, visited Hobbs Middle School on Dec. 13 to deliver the check.

Sirmons was one of 11 chosen to receive a grant from the post; 31 teachers applied.

With the grant money, Sirmons said she plans to purchase reusable kits for a lesson on alternative energy — solar, water and wind power. Sirmons’ students have already begun their research and they will complete a project using the supplies she purchases.

Sirmons said she tries to relate art to science, math and sometimes technology. She wants to find members of the community who work in a STEAM field to come and talk to her students about career opportunities available to them.

"We are very proud of Mrs. Sirmons and everything she has done for her children," Wesley Underwood, Hobbs Middle School’s former principal, said.

"She does a wonderful job coming up with new, creative and innovative ways to teach in the classroom … I am sure this grant will go a long way."

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Hobbs teacher receives STEAM grant