Michael Hoke, passed away Wednesday in Beaumont.

Hoke introduced students to the world of science as a science teacher and the creation of the Nature Classroom program in Orange.

He is also the former executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Hoke brought back the Science Superstars, a program targeting eighth grade students across the county which offers them training in a variety of scientific areas and allows them to spread the enthusiasm and love of science to younger students at elementary and middle schools across the area.