This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2021) |
St. Stephens High School is a high school located in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. It is in Catawba County, and is part of the Catawba County Schools district.
| St. Stephens High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
3205 34th Street Drive NE 28601 United States | |
| 35°46′18″N 81°16′07″W / 35.771799°N 81.2686954°W | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1934[1] |
School district | Catawba County Schools |
| CEEB code | 341825 |
Principal | Kyle Stocks |
| Staff | 67.00 (FTE)[2] |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 1,298 (2023-2024)[2] |
Student to teacher ratio | 19.37[2] |
| Colors | Red, grey, white |
| Team name | Indians |
| Yearbook | The Corona |
Feeder schools | Harry M. Arndt Middle School |
| Website | ststephenshs |
History
editSt. Stephens High School was formed when Allen Frye, Peace Academy, Lail, Sandy Ridge, and Cloninger combined into one school. The school first opened in the fall of 1934, with R. N. Hoyle serving as the first teacher and principal. The first school building was used by elementary through high school students until 1953, when a new building was provided specifically for St. Stephens High School students.
As of 2025, the principal is Kyle Stocks. St. Stephens enrolls approximately 1,250 students each year. Harry M. Arndt Middle School is the feeder school of St. Stephens.
St. Stephen's team's name is the "Indians". In 21st century America, an "Indian" mascot is widely considered to be a racist trope.[3] Even after the local Cherokee, a federally recognized Native American nation, protested use of an "Indian" as the school's mascot, the school administration ignored their concerns and retained it.[4]
Athletics
editSt. Stephens is a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and are classified as a 6A school. The school is a member of the Northwestern 6A/7A Conference.[5] St. Stephen's school colors are red, black, gray, and white, and its team name is the Indians. Sports at St. Stephens include:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Competition Cheerleading
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Marching Band
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Baseball
editThe school won three straight NCHSAA 2A baseball state championships in 1971, 1972 and 1973.[6]
Wrestling
editThe wrestling team won the NCHSAA 3A dual team state championship in 2019, finishing the season 43–0.[7]
Notable alumni
edit- Mark K. Hilton, member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state's 96th district[8]
- Andy Houston, former NASCAR driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Series, and Winston Cup Series
- Shane Huffman, former NASCAR driver and current crew chief
- Drew Starkey, actor
References
edit- ↑ About Us - St. Stephens High School Archived 23 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- 1 2 3 "Saint Stephens High". National Center for Education Statistics. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ↑ "Summary of the APA Resolution Recommending Retirement of American Indian Mascots". www.apa.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ↑ williamson, Sarah Newell (6 September 2008). "Man urges new mascots for area schools". Hickory Daily Record. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ↑ Bryant, Joel. (March 6, 2025). Here are the new NCHSAA conferences for 2025-29. highschoolot.com. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ↑ Baseball State Champions Archived 15 August 2022 at the Wayback Machine. NCHSAA. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
- ↑ Unbeaten St. Stephens wins 3A wrestling championship - Hobbs Daily Report Archived 28 November 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
- ↑ Vote Smart Archived 28 March 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 March 2019.