The Gauntlet

12/12/2025

Vinyl is back! This year, vinyl records sold in numbers that resemble the 1970’s. The trend shows consumers’ desire for physical media. But getting into vinyl can be intimidating.

In Afton Cox’s “An Introduction to the World of Vinyl,” she renders an interactive story for readers, diving into ‘sections’ like why records are back, how to work a record player, where to shop for vinyls, a history of the form, and more.

If you’re interested in expanding your music horizons, this is the Feature for you.

Tucked in the corner of the Middle School Commons sits a broken record player and box of vinyl records, ranging from Stevie Wonder to Kendrick Lamar. The device belongs to Middle School Director Dr. Joel Erby, who was gifted it on his birthday. Erby thought it would be interesting to start using it....

12/12/2025

Per chance! This week, two legends-- George Frano and Annika Elisha-- sat down with your favorite Hot Takes Pod hosts to discuss holiday takes. Head to the Gauntlet for the full episode.

The group talked Christmas songs, holiday stressers, bad dinner table topics, real trees versus fake trees, and more crucial discussion topics.

Hot Takes and Hall Passes is produced by hosts Karlah Benzan and Sophia House. Video by Jackson Pakbaz.

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10/12/2025

It’s that time of year again!

Today in the US Commons, the Student Council hosted the annual Gingerbread House Building Competition. Check out some pictures and videos from today’s event.

Congratulations to the juniors who had the best house, followed by the seniors, sophomores, and freshman.

Link in bio for more news from today.

10/12/2025

Photo Gallery Drop!!! Click the link for shots of last night's game.

Last night, the Varsity Boy’s Soccer team beat Admiral Farragut in a heated 5-0 win for the Falcons. Check out some photos from last night’s game by photographer Lucy Preston.

The Falcons will play again this Friday against Northside Christian at home at 7:00. Link in bio for more news from today.

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10/12/2025

Noticed a new face in the Turner Building?

In “Mrs. Conn Relocates to the Turner Building,” staffer Rachel Gocinski covers the US Director’s move into Mr. Casaine’s old room, adjacent to the Commons.

Gocinski writes, “This new spot puts her in the center of daily activity, giving students a place to swing by to for help, stop in with a quick question, or just check in between classes. This move wasn’t just about changing rooms, but about making support easier for students.”

Link in bio for the full scoop and photo gallery of the director's new digs.

Last week, US Director Mrs. Conn officially moved her office to room 3154 in the Turner Building, near the commons in Mr. Casaine’s old space. The new spot puts her in the center of daily activity, giving students a place they can head to for help, stop in with a quick question, or just check...

09/12/2025

Come Wednesday Dec. 10 at 7p.m. to the Pullen Center for the annual Saint Stephen’s Holiday Concert!

This beloved tradition never fails to create a sense of holiday spirit. The show will feature performances from our talented Middle and Upper School bands, orchestra, and ensemble. The program is led by music teachers Ms. Hambrick, Mrs. Elisha, Ms. Jurgensen, and Mr. Shafer.

“I’m most excited for the ending song, Sleigh Ride, because students, staff, and some alumni are returning to all play this song together,” said Ms. Hambrick.

From violins to tubas, the Saint Stephen’s music program will serenade you with all of their holiday tunes, so make sure to be there!

08/12/2025

New podcast drop! “Hot Takes and Hall Passes” is the creation of staffers Sophia House and Karlah Benzán. The series features discussions with folks around campus and their takes on hot topics.

Episode one features Coach Kevin Sutton, who shares some of his greatest inspirations, what he is doing to lead the basketball team to success, and how he’s hoping for impact on our community as a whole.

Link in bio for more news from today.

08/12/2025

Alumni Soccer Players— This is for you!!

On Friday Dec. 26 at 11am, Saint Stephen’s will host the annual Alumni Soccer Gathering out at the Moore Athletic Complex. This is a beloved tradition, so please attend to keep it going!

Warm ups are at 10:30 with the game to follow at 11:00a.m.

Please RSVP to Mr. Bernie Yanelli at [email protected] or via text to 941-323-5970 if you will be attending.

Link in bio for more news from today.

05/12/2025

From the Aladdin production, to the Homecoming Dance, to the Amelia Bedelia Fashion Show, the Pullen Center is now full steam ahead as a newest part of our campus.

Lexi Mascera covers how students, faculty, and staff are now making use of the facility since its opening in August.

Link here for the full story: https://tinyurl.com/pa5ehj6x

04/12/2025

Another Best of SNO!!!

Congratulations to videographers Annette Logan, Carter Hasbrouck, Grace Kotter, and Brian Stone for their video “Forging the Next Generation,” which earned the Gauntlet our third Best of SNO award of the year.

A journalist or videographer earns a Best of SNO recognition by meeting the publication’s high standards. SNO (School Newspapers Online) will also post the video to their professional news site.

Head to the link here to see it on https://bestofsno.com/83176/multimedia/video/forging-the-next-generation/

03/12/2025

Did you know only 4-8% of scouts reach the level of Eagle Scout?

In his Feature “Junior William Pakbaz Earns Eagle Scout Status,” ed-in-chief Chief Jackson Pakbaz documents how his brother, a junior, recently attained the highest level in the scouts.

The feat took a great deal of commitment and achievement, like when William proposed and executed a project with the Anna Maria City Commission “to combat erosion by planting native vegetation” after Hurricane Helene by “planting a diverse range of native species to restore the shoreline.”

Sixteen-year-old William Pakbaz’s deep appreciation for nature drives his community service and his desire to protect the environment for future generations. His many adventures as a scout have shaped his environmental stewardship throughout his ten-year journey to become an Eagle Scout. An Eagle ...

03/12/2025

Hope you enjoyed the vid, but most of the common favorite holiday tunes are pretty basic.

That’s why you’ll want to head to Sophia House’s “Sleeper Songs: What’s your Favorite Christmas Tune?” which covers lesser known holiday songs that you should add to your playlist. Check out the full story for fire new recommendations.

Link in bio for more news from today.