This year, as always, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Week brought people who have been truly influential in their respective fields to school. From Adam Cheyer, co-founder of Siri, to Jocelyn Goldfein, Engineering Director at Facebook, students had the opportunity to hear from a variety of individuals who have made significant contributions to STEM fields.

STEM Week is a crucial opportunity for students to learn more about advancements in various science and math fields. The school has strong Science and Math Departments, which gives students the academic knowledge they need to pursue those subjects in college. Furthermore, hearing speakers who are leaders in their fields helps give student considering STEM majors and careers additional information about those paths.

But the beauty of STEM Week is the fact that it doesn’t just benefit students who are already interested in those areas. For the rest of the student body, these speakers often pique students’ interests in the possibilities presented in STEM fields and further enrich science and math curriculums.

In-class education can only go so far. Listening to a speaker discuss current advances that he or she is making to, for example, stop concussions in sports shows students the importance and relevance of STEM more than a textbook ever could.

Additionally, the diversity of speakers helped to showcase the wide range of industries that are influenced by STEM. With speakers like Danielle Feinberg, Director of Photography for Lighting at Pixar, students were able to see that STEM concepts aren’t just relevant for mathematicians and theoretical physicists, but for people across various fields. No matter what career students plan to pursue, having a background in science and math concepts is vital.

Furthermore, having a keynote speaker in the evening opens the benefits of STEM Week to the community. This evening presentation allows a wider range of people to take advantage of what the school has to offer, and showcases the school and its commitment to STEM learning.

This year’s tutorial presentations were so popular that advance tickets were necessary; a testament to how popular STEM Week has become. One of these presentations even involved a hands-on demonstration for students. Many students were able to try operating a cutting-edge surgical robot, an opportunity few would ordinarily get.

Few school districts offer students such a unique opportunity. The school’s location in the Silicon Valley provides a unique chance for students to have access to world-class professionals.

STEM Week provides a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity for students, expanding on one of the district’s main goals of improving STEM education for students.