A Message from our Principal

"Hello SSHS! I'm Kyle Stocks, the new principal beginning this school year. I'm no stranger to SSHS and the great opportunities we've been offering our community for many years. I served as an Assistant Principal here for a few years and my family calls the SSHS feeder area home.

I welcome you all to the 20-21 school year. I am excited to help you navigate this historical time while still preparing you for your goals in a successful future. I'm proud to lead a great staff that has proven to prepare our students for success in a wide variety of skill sets. We are here for you, and look forward to fostering the great things you are ready to accomplish.

Thank you and GO SAINT!"

Meet our Administrative Team

Principal

Kyle Stocks

Principal, St. Stephens High School

Meet Kyle Stocks, Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2014

Experience
I have worked in public education for 15 years. I started my career as an Exceptional Children's teacher near my hometown in Columbus County. I also taught in Durham Public Schools. Prior to moving to Catawba County, I taught and served as an Exceptional Children's Curriculum Specialist for Buncombe County Schools. I began my service for Catawba County Schools as an Assistant Principal at Clyde Campbell Elementary. I transitioned to Saint Stephens High School as Assistant Principal in the Fall of 2016. I became Principal of Banoak Elementary in July 2018, where our staff hit the ground running in Charging Forward, and Charging Together. I have had the pleasure of seeing Banoak transition during renovation and observing our teachers and students exceeding growth and continuously striving for improvement.

Education
B.A. Psychology, NC State University
M.A. Executive Leadership/ School Administration, Gardner Webb University
M.A. Community College Administration, Western Carolina University

Why I Became an Educator
I have always loved school and the fun incumbent with childhood. After college, I had the opportunity to work with disabled children and quickly realized a calling to become an educator. During my time in education, I have had the opportunity to work with several administrators at various levels of education. Those experiences have shaped my principles and values to build relationships with staff and students to reach our common goals.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
I've really enjoyed Catawba County since we moved here several years ago, however, I think home is my favorite spot. I enjoy working in my yard and undertaking small construction projects. I do like that Catawba County is never far away from something fun, with many lakes and outdoor activities being within a short drive, while still being close to Charlotte for professional sports.

Favorite Activities
My favorite activities are small construction/woodworking projects, golf, fishing and relaxing on or near the lake or beach.

Something Unique About Me
I love sports! I'm a big fan of the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, which often gains me more grief than gratitude.

I joined the CCS Team because of our commitment to Engage, Inspire, and Empower our students to become productive members of our community.

Assistant Principal

Neil W. Everett

Assistant Principal, St. Stephens High School

Meet Neil W. Everett, Assistant Principal

Experience
I have worked in public education for eight years. I began my career as a social studies teacher at Maiden High School, and began my path in administration at St. Stephens High School in 2018.

Education
B.A. History, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
M.A. Executive Leadership Studies, Gardner-Webb University

Why I Became an Educator
I was influenced to pursue a career in education by my U.S. history teacher at Richmond Sr. High School. She was a dynamic teacher who always expected more of me than I expected of myself. She never gave up on me. I decided soon after that this was the impact that I wanted to have to pour into the next generation.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
I enjoy being on the water, so I'd have to say the river chain where I can enjoy nature in a little more solitude is my favorite place in the county.

Favorite Activities
I'm an avid hunter and fisherman. I really just enjoy anything outdoors.

Something Unique About Me
I'm originally from the eastern part of the state which is much more rural. To me, Catawba County is a major metropolis!

Anything Else You Want Us To Know?
My wife, Jessica, is a teacher at Catawba Elementary.

I joined CCS to be able to pour into the community that I love and which has given so much to me.

Assistant Principal

Chris Johnson

Assistant Principal, St. Stephens High School

Meet Chris Johnson, Assistant Principal

Check back for a bio of new AP Chris Johnson.

I joined Catawba County Schools because it was coming home. I am a product of Catawba County Schools. I am very proud of CCS and the quality of education we are providing our students.

Assistant Principal

Amy Rucker

Assistant Principal, St. Stephens High School

Meet Amy Rucker, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - July 2000

Experience
I have completed my 19th year with Catawba County Schools. I am a product of CCS and St. Stephens High School. I graduated from SSHS in 1989. I began my teaching career at SSHS teaching Algebra I and Algebra II in 2000. I coached volleyball, basketball, softball and soccer during my classroom tenure. In 2011, I joined the administrative staff and completed my Masters in School Administration and Curriculum Specialist. I left for a short time for a principalship, but I made my way back to SSHS. I am vested in this school and in this community.

Education
B.S. Math Education, Physical Education and Health Endorsement, Appalachian State University
M.A. School Administration, Appalachian State University
M.A. Curriculum Specialist, Appalachian State University

Why I Became an Educator
I have had several influences in my life to get me where I am today. Former teachers, former coaches and high school athletics played major roles in my life, teaching me not only academics, but also life skills.

One person who has influenced me the most is former SSHS Principal DeAnna Taylor. Mrs. Taylor was Coach Huffman to me from 1986-1989 for basketball and softball. She offered me my first job at SSHS as a classroom teacher in 2000. She believed in me more than I believed in myself when she asked a PE teacher to teach math. Fast forward 10 years when she moved me into a leadership position. She continues to be a mentor and friend to me.

Scottie Houston (SSHS Principal 2015-2020) also has been a great influence for me. He leads by example. Mr. Houston and I have known each other since high school. We both share a passion for the well being of SSHS staff and students. I will always value his friendship.

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is my mom's house. She is my hero, and I strive everyday to be like her.

Favorite Activities
I enjoy traveling with my husband and family. We are members of the Rams Club and travel with Carolina basketball. We have been lucky enough to visit Maui (x3), the Bahamas (x2), Chicago, Las Vegas (x4) and Phoenix (for the 2017 National Championship!!) with our beloved Tarheels.

Something Unique About Me
Something that is unique about me is that while in high school I was named the Conference Player of the Year in three different sports (basketball, softball and volleyball).

I joined Team CCS because I was given an opportunity to teach and coach at my alma mater high school. I am a product of CCS and St. Stephens High School, so it was a chance for me to give back to our community.