Five SSES students led a team of six from Manatee County to the Division 1 championship of the statewide 2016 Florida Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, April 21-23 in Orlando. The three-day competition featured teams from 38 counties competing in a series of academic challenges covering topics in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages (French and Spanish), physical education, health, and technology. Teams were rewarded for speed and accuracy in answering individual and team questions. Team Manatee completed a perfect championship round with no incorrect answers to top Palm Beach County, 260-247. Manatee County holds local competitions throughout the fall, and the top six students from the county earn the opportunity to represent the team at the state level. This year, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School won the local competition and had five of the top six individual scorers. Saint Stephen’s students representing Manatee County were Ethan Leuchter ’16, Hannah Sage ’16, Joe Class ’16, Alex Siegal ’17, and Vanessa Yan ’17. They were joined by Julian La Rosa ’16 of Lakewood Ranch High School. The team was coached by Saint Stephen’s Library Director Christina Pommer. As champions, team members receive recognition from the Commissioner of Education, a trophy, a championship ring, and each student is awarded $500 in scholarship money to support their college education.