The host Saint Stephen’s academic teams captured the top two spots on Tuesday night (Sept. 19) in competition against 14 other Manatee County high school teams. Of the 60 individual questions asked through three rounds, the Falcons were first to the buzzer with correct answers on 15. They showed their versatility, scoring on questions in humanities, science, social studies, math, Spanish, art, music, and English.

Four of the top five individual scorers in the county so far this season in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge are from Saint Stephen’s: seniors Theo Frano and Patrick Van Eyck, and juniors Dylan Dam and Cooper Henry. The next meet is set for Oct. 17 at Parrish Community High School.

Saint Stephen’s is attempting to repeat its success of a year ago when the Green team took the first-place trophy and the Gold team finished runner-up. Elaina Bayard and Jackson Nealis, Class of 2023 graduates, qualified to represent Manatee County at the state-level competition.

The current Falcons also traveled to the first regional Quiz Bowl of the season, held Sept. 16-17 at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando. SSES finished fifth in the 22-team competition.