Albert Einstein was once quoted as saying, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

While we’re not certain we completely agree with the esteemed theoretical physicist’s assessment, certainly doing things as a practical matter nicely augments what’s taught in a formal classroom.

Just ask a handful of area high school students for whom the phrase “board of education” took on a whole new meaning this year.

The students – two in Marquette and a third in Gwinn – spent the 2013-14 school year as honorary members of their respective schools’ boards of education.

A page one story in Tuesday’s Mining Journal penned by Staff Writer Jackie Stark had full details.

Luke Johnson and Matthew Bammert sat on the MAPS board while Shelby Talsma served on the Gwinn Area Community Schools board.

All three reported the experience to be educational and eye opening.

“There’s some light into the real world,” Johnson said. “It’s different than sitting in the classroom.”

Noted Talsma: “It’s interesting how the board’s learning from their previous actions, how they’re growing from their actions. They’re making a point to keep the community’s interest at the top of their list.”

Both schools’ boards of education and administrations are to be applauded for taking the time and effort to help these students gain a type of insight that otherwise would not have been available to them.