"To lead by serving others." 

The National BETA Club was founded in 1934, and has become the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. 

Our BETA Club is an honor organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, promotes strong moral character and social responsibility, encourages service to others, fosters leadership skills, and provides settings for you to develop strong interpersonal skills. 

This organization is open to 11th and 12th grade students by invitation only who meet all requirements. 

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

The standards established for membership in the SSHS Beta Club are in compliance with guidelines required by the National Beta Club organization and the Catawba County School district.  The basic qualifications for membership are “worthy character, good mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude.”

 Prerequisites for Membership:

• Membership is by invitation only.
• Membership is limited to students in grades eleven and twelve who achieve a cumulative 3.75 GPA (weighted or unweighted) and who have a clean discipline record. 

Standards for Maintaining Membership:

• A  3.75 overall G.P.A.

• The standard of conduct for membership must be maintained.

• Completion of 12 service hours and 3 collections

• Students cannot have an honor code violation

Students who do not maintain the identified grade or identified standard of conduct are subject to one of the following disciplinary actions. These actions may be involved at the end of any nine week academic period.

Probation—The club sponsor issues a warning that membership criteria are not being met.  Students on probation will have a semester to correct the deficiencies.  All club privileges are maintained.  If a student on probation does not correct the deficiency by the deadline, the student will be expelled from the club and be ineligible to return for the remainder of the high school experience. 

Expulsion— Removal of the student’s name from the Beta Club roll.  Students are expelled for an honor code violation and for not maintaining the GPA requirements and not fulfilling the service and collection requirements. Once expelled from the club, they cannot be reinstated. 

When students are placed on probation or expelled from the Beta Club, students shall be notified in writing.

Book Club is for anyone who loves to read YA fiction. The Book Club meets almost every week. Activities vary from year to year but mostly include reading selected books together, discussing books, sharing books, doing book crafts and many other bookish things. There are no requirements for joining Book Club other than loving books. Meeting days will be determined at the beginning of the year, but often fall on Friday afternoons.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

D.R.E.A.M. Team

D.R.E.A.M. Team (Daring to Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) is an experiential training program held throughout the school year.

D.R.E.A.M. Team student athletes participate in training sessions that include instruction in effective communication skills and presentation methods, role modeling, mentoring, and positive lifestyle choices.  They select and plan services for elementary schools, middle schools, community organizations, and/or their own high school.  D.R.E.A.M. Team participants meet regularly on an arranged schedule to prepare and carry out their projects and activities.  Activities are often accomplished in collaboration with other school leadership programs.

Three roles that D.R.E.A.M. Team student-athletes assume:

• Role models and mentors when visiting elementary and middle schools to make presentations, tutor students, and assist officers with the DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) Program.
• Peer helpers for in-coming students who are new to the school.
• School ambassadors during athletic events and at local civic organizations telling about D.R.E.A.M. Team purposes, performing community service activities, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

FAITH + SPORT = FCA

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives…one heart at a time. Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire and change the world through the gospel. 

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

We’re growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.

Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education.

The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change.

MISSION & MOTTO

WHAT IS FFA

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

"To strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society."

In the student-run, student-led JSA, participants learn how to engage civilly in political discourse. They cultivate democratic leadership skills, challenge one another to think critically, advocate their own opinions, develop respect for opposing views and learn to rise above self-interest to promote the public good. As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, JSA is committed to developing a diverse, cross-section of young leaders for a democratic society.

The Junior State of America (JSA) was created by and for young people interested in what happens around them - from politics, to how government works, and contributing to their community. Since its founding in 1934, JSA has served as a place where students build leadership skills, learn civil debate, and strengthen their engagement through volunteering and activism. More than 500,000 students have graduated high school as more active, informed members of their community as a result of their participation in JSA.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

GFWC-NC Juniorettes are young women, middle to high school age, working together to meet the needs of their communities through volunteer service projects. Since 1969, GFWC Juniorettes have sharpened their leadership skills and put their idealism to work in projects that benefit children, families, and communities, while having FUN!

Juniorettes are a part of the larger organization of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), which is one of the world’s largest and oldest nondenominational, nonpartisan, international women’s volunteer service organization. With over 140 clubs throughout North Carolina, club women have been dedicated to Community Improvement through Volunteer Service since 1902.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Juntos 4‑H is a program that helps Latino youth (grades 8 – 12) and their families gain the knowledge and skills they need to bridge the gap between high school and higher education. 

Juntos 4‑H, which translates to “together,” provides students and families with:

• Family engagement: high school and middle school workshops, family nights and events
• Juntos 4‑H Clubs: focused on academics, tutoring, life-skill activities, and community service
• Juntos One-On-One Success Coaching/Mentoring: adults help youth achieve their goals
• Summer Programs: Summer Academy, local 4‑H summer programs and other local events.
  Programs are available to English and Spanish-speaking students and their families in numerous communities across the US.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Student led. Service focused.

Key Club is a student-led high school organization, sponsored by the Hickory Kiwanis Club. Our members make the world a better place through service. In doing so, we grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead and developing the heart to serve. All students are eligible to join Key Club. 

Key Club meets one day per month in addition to the service hours that are required to maintain membership.

Key Club International is a self-governing, student-led organization. Each year, Key Club members elect their student officers for club, district and international boards.

Key Club members receive guidance and support from adult volunteers, including Kiwanis advisors, faculty advisors and district administrators. Additionally, the Key Club International staff trains and assists district governors and international board members. The organization is funded by nominal dues paid by every member.

You can learn more about the International Key Club by visiting their website at https://www.keyclub.org/

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Make visual arts more visible!

Student members of the National Art Honor Society :

• become members of a distinguished group of 58,000+ outstanding art students
• gain peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, and an unmatched sense of camaraderie
• are eligible to apply for the Rising Stars Secondary Recognition Program Award (Juniors and Seniors only)
• are eligible to apply for the Charles M. Robertson Memorial Scholarship and scholarships to Columbus College of Art and Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and The Art Institute (Seniors only)
• have the opportunity to be published in NAHS News (the semiannual, full-color digital publication of the NAHS program). Artwork submitted for inclusion is often used in other NAEA publications!
• are eligible to submit artwork for possible inclusion in the annual NAHS/NJAHS Juried Exhibition held at the NAEA Studio & Gallery.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

NTHS strives to bring well deserved recognition, scholarship opportunities, and career opportunities to students who excel in one of the 108 career and technical educational fields as their profession. Not only do NTHS students embody all the attributes and talent which is in demand today, these students also embrace a clear vision for tomorrow’s workforce and their role in it. NTHS understands changes in industry within local communities and on a global scale.

The growing demand to fill jobs requiring technical training is one of the hottest topics headlining current news. An article published in Forbes “America’s Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most In-Demand Group of Workers Ages” demonstrates the need to support career and technical education. Through its scholarships, NTHS encourages students to pursue higher education and training in technical fields and supports members in their lifelong commitment to a skilled trade.

Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists was organized April 10, 1926, at the University of Iowa by renowned pollster George H. Gallup and a group of high school advisers for the purpose of encouraging and recognizing individual student achievement in journalism and scholastic publication.

Since its founding, school charters have been granted to more than 11,300 high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 29 foreign countries. Media advisers in chartered schools are eligible to recommend outstanding high school journalism students for membership in Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society.

This honor society is for members of the yearbook staff.

When a candidate is recommended for membership, the student pays a one-time initiation fee of $25. The Society then provides the initiate with an official membership pin of their choice and a lifetime membership certificate.

Members of Quill and Scroll Honor Society must be chosen from students enrolled in the high school who, at the time of their recommendation, meet the following requirements:

1. They must be of sophomore, junior or senior classification.
2. They must have the equivalent of a B grade average, or be in the upper third of their class in general scholastic standing, either for the year of their election or for the cumulative total of all high school work.
3. They must have done superior work in some phase of journalism or school media work. They may be staffers of a magazine, newspaper, yearbook, news organization, online site or radio/television station at the school, or one conducted by an external organization.
4. They must be recommended by the supervisor or by the committee governing the media.
5. They must be approved by the Quill and Scroll Executive Director.

The SSHS Science Olympiad team is part of the greater NC Science Olympiad. 

Every year NCSO hosts tournaments on university, community college, and public school campuses across the state. These tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of different hands-on, interactive, challenging and inquiry-based events that are well balanced between the various disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering and technology.

In 2014, more than 800 K-12 teams representing over 14,000 students and 70 counties in North Carolina participated in NCSO activities.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Student Council Mission Statement:

The Saint Stephens High School Student Council is the voice of the student body. We are dedicated to developing leadership skills and maintaining a student/administration relationship. Student Council is responsible for representing and serving the needs of the student body through coordinating activities and holding meetings.

As Student Council members, we strive to:

• Coordinate and encourage student activities

• Work with administration in all matters affecting the welfare of students

• Stand out as leaders and role models to our peers

• Listen to and respect the concerns of everyone and voice them

• Recognize the accomplishments of clubs, sports, and individual students

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

Members are chosen by application in May of each school year. Officers are elected the first week of school by each class.

Every year, the Saint Library sponsors the From Book to Big Screen film series. Once a month, a movie that was developed from a book is shown. The movie is shown in the library after school and is open and free for all students. There is free popcorn and a free canned soda for each student who attends. Students need to sign up in the library or complete this Google form to attend (mostly so we know how much popcorn to make!) Note: you must be logged in to your CCS email to complete the form.

Film Schedule for 2022-20213 school year coming soon!

Homecoming festivities normally take place in the fall. The entire week is a celebration! Every day, there are spirit dress-up themes and games in the cafeteria. There are student-designed t-shirts for each grade level that can be purchased. On Friday, there is a Homecoming Carnival on the football field. The game is Friday night and the Homecoming King and Queen are crowned. This year, Homecoming is scheduled for September 24th.

Check back here for more information as it becomes available.

The National BETA Club was founded in 1934, and has become the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. 

Our Junior BETA Club is an honor organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, promotes strong moral character and social responsibility, encourages service to others, fosters leadership skills, and provides settings for you to develop strong interpersonal skills. 

This organization is open to 7th and 8th grade students by invitation only who meet all requirements. 

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

The standards established for membership in the Junior Beta Club are in compliance with guidelines required by the National Beta Club organization and the Catawba County School district.  The basic qualifications for membership are “worthy character, good mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude.”

 Prerequisites for Membership:

• Membership is by invitation only.
• Membership is limited to students in grades seven and eight who are functioning at or above grade level as determined by End of Grade tests from the previous year.  End-of-Grade testing score must be a Level 3, 4, or 5.
• A 90.0 in all core academic courses and electives: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and electives
• Students must receive an (S) satisfactory or (I) improving conduct grade from each classroom teacher.  A student may not receive an (N) needs to improve or (U) unsatisfactory.
• No more than one office referral and no Out of School Suspension.

Standards for Maintaining Membership:

• A 90.0 in core academic classes and elective classes

• The standard of conduct for membership must be maintained.

Students who do not maintain the identified grade or identified standard of conduct are subject to one of the following disciplinary actions. These actions may be involved at the end of any nine week academic period.

Probation—The club sponsor issues a warning that membership criteria are not being met.  A nine week grading period is given to correct the deficiencies.  All club privileges are maintained.  If after a nine week period, the academic deficiency and/or misconduct are not corrected, and/or if the academic deficiency and misconduct occurs again, the student will be expelled and be ineligible to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

Expulsion—Removal of the student’s name from the Junior Beta Club roll.  Any infraction resulting in an out-of-school suspension will result in automatic expulsion and ineligibility to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

When students are placed on probation or expelled from the Beta Club, parents and students shall be notified in writing.

The National BETA Club was founded in 1934, and has become the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. 

Our Junior BETA Club is an honor organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, promotes strong moral character and social responsibility, encourages service to others, fosters leadership skills, and provides settings for you to develop strong interpersonal skills. 

This organization is open to 7th and 8th grade students by invitation only who meet all requirements. 

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

The standards established for membership in the Junior Beta Club are in compliance with guidelines required by the National Beta Club organization and the Catawba County School district.  The basic qualifications for membership are “worthy character, good mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude.”

 Prerequisites for Membership:

• Membership is by invitation only.
• Membership is limited to students in grades seven and eight who are functioning at or above grade level as determined by End of Grade tests from the previous year.  End-of-Grade testing score must be a Level 3, 4, or 5.
• A 90.0 in all core academic courses and electives: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and electives
• Students must receive an (S) satisfactory or (I) improving conduct grade from each classroom teacher.  A student may not receive an (N) needs to improve or (U) unsatisfactory.
• No more than one office referral and no Out of School Suspension.

Standards for Maintaining Membership:

• A 90.0 in core academic classes and elective classes

• The standard of conduct for membership must be maintained.

Students who do not maintain the identified grade or identified standard of conduct are subject to one of the following disciplinary actions. These actions may be involved at the end of any nine week academic period.

Probation—The club sponsor issues a warning that membership criteria are not being met.  A nine week grading period is given to correct the deficiencies.  All club privileges are maintained.  If after a nine week period, the academic deficiency and/or misconduct are not corrected, and/or if the academic deficiency and misconduct occurs again, the student will be expelled and be ineligible to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

Expulsion—Removal of the student’s name from the Junior Beta Club roll.  Any infraction resulting in an out-of-school suspension will result in automatic expulsion and ineligibility to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

When students are placed on probation or expelled from the Beta Club, parents and students shall be notified in writing.

The National BETA Club was founded in 1934, and has become the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. 

Our Junior BETA Club is an honor organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, promotes strong moral character and social responsibility, encourages service to others, fosters leadership skills, and provides settings for you to develop strong interpersonal skills. 

This organization is open to 7th and 8th grade students by invitation only who meet all requirements. 

Meeting dates will be updated at the beginning of the school year.

The standards established for membership in the Junior Beta Club are in compliance with guidelines required by the National Beta Club organization and the Catawba County School district.  The basic qualifications for membership are “worthy character, good mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude.”

 Prerequisites for Membership:

• Membership is by invitation only.
• Membership is limited to students in grades seven and eight who are functioning at or above grade level as determined by End of Grade tests from the previous year.  End-of-Grade testing score must be a Level 3, 4, or 5.
• A 90.0 in all core academic courses and electives: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and electives
• Students must receive an (S) satisfactory or (I) improving conduct grade from each classroom teacher.  A student may not receive an (N) needs to improve or (U) unsatisfactory.
• No more than one office referral and no Out of School Suspension.

Standards for Maintaining Membership:

• A 90.0 in core academic classes and elective classes

• The standard of conduct for membership must be maintained.

Students who do not maintain the identified grade or identified standard of conduct are subject to one of the following disciplinary actions. These actions may be involved at the end of any nine week academic period.

Probation—The club sponsor issues a warning that membership criteria are not being met.  A nine week grading period is given to correct the deficiencies.  All club privileges are maintained.  If after a nine week period, the academic deficiency and/or misconduct are not corrected, and/or if the academic deficiency and misconduct occurs again, the student will be expelled and be ineligible to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

Expulsion—Removal of the student’s name from the Junior Beta Club roll.  Any infraction resulting in an out-of-school suspension will result in automatic expulsion and ineligibility to return during the 7th and 8th grade school terms.

When students are placed on probation or expelled from the Beta Club, parents and students shall be notified in writing.