St. Stephens High School

History

St. 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. 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.

Athletics

St. 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. 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

The school won three straight NCHSAA 2A baseball state championships in 1971, 1972 and 1973.

Wrestling

The wrestling team won the NCHSAA 3A dual team state championship in 2019, finishing the season 43–0.

Notable alumni

Mark K. Hilton, member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state's 96th district

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, American actor