the official student-produced news site for Saint Stephen's Episcopal School

the Gauntlet
Global Education Coordinator Mrs. Jennifer Hambrick announces this year's Sister School Exchange Programs at an Upper School assembly.
Sister School visits unveiled, applications now available
November 12, 2024
StuCo announced that Homecoming Spirit Week has been postponed at a school assembly on Monday
Spirit Week postponed due to Hurricane Milton
October 23, 2024
Juniors Nadia Grubbs and George Frano spending time with their Falcon Friends.
First Falcon Friend event brings community together
October 4, 2024
The long-awaited Dr. Janet S. Pullen S.T.E.A.M. Center, located on 41st Street by the Campus Center, is currently under construction but is expected to be a part of campus life next school year.
S.T.E.A.M Center set to open in July 2025
September 25, 2024
This summer, hospitals reported an almost 25% increase in emergency cases relating to the coronavirus. As a tourist destination, Florida is vulnerable to waves of the disease. Art by Al Lombardi
Resurgence of Covid impacts academics, athletics
September 24, 2024
Matthew Christian prepares for take off at SRQ International Airport, where he is close to obtaining his private piloting license.
Junior Matthew Christian is ready to take flight
November 7, 2024
The Harkness Discussion method utilizes a roundtable, around which students must lead discussions while the teacher observes. Art by Al Lombardi
Harkness Discussions are what English class is all about
November 1, 2024
This house was completely destroyed by Hurricane Milton.
Unbroken by Milton
October 25, 2024
Coach Cole Hudson soars into his new position as AD
Coach Cole Hudson soars into his new position as AD
October 17, 2024
Ms. Gillard (pictured second from the right) at a friend's 8th-grade graduation in Austin, Texas.
10 Questions in 10 Minutes with Gabrielle Gillard
August 23, 2024
The album cover for Will Wood's "The Normal Album"
A Musical Enigma: A Look Into Will Wood’s Dynamic Career
November 15, 2024
Girls as young as 11 are buying retinols and other skincare products that do more harm than help to their face.
The real issue with the Sephora Kid skincare craze
November 4, 2024
Notifications from Snapchat, Instagram, and Messages pelt students during classes, resulting in distraction. Art by Al Lombardi
Reading this title will likely be interrupted by a Snapchat notification
October 25, 2024
Poster for the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie. Movie poster from TV insider 2024 https://www.tvinsider.com/show/beetlejuice-2/
Review: Is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice worth watching?
October 22, 2024
Senior Jack Horne signs in late. This year, three tardies result in a 30-minute, after-school detention.
The new Tardy Policy was needed, but it goes too far
October 4, 2024
The album cover for Will Wood's "The Normal Album"
A Musical Enigma: A Look Into Will Wood’s Dynamic Career
November 15, 2024
Poster for the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie. Movie poster from TV insider 2024 https://www.tvinsider.com/show/beetlejuice-2/
Review: Is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice worth watching?
October 22, 2024
Ranking the top senior parking spots
Ranking the top senior parking spots
September 19, 2024
The Hosts with their exchange students.
Sister school visitors reflect on their time at SSES
March 22, 2024
Three Honors Marine 3 students(Jake Seubert, Madison McAvoy, and Will Schindler), suited in their wetsuits, prepare to explore the great wonders of the Key Largo reefs.
Marine Science program proves that firsthand experience is the way to go
February 16, 2024
Austin is leading his team to victory.
Junior Austin Carr travels to the State Championships Saturday
November 15, 2024
A shot of the junior boy's volleyball team playing in a match at lunch.
Volleyball team launches school-wide tournament as fundraiser for prom
October 23, 2024
The seniors will look to celebrate their years of commitment this Friday for Senior Night.
Pack the MAC for Senior Night this Friday
October 3, 2024
The Boys Cross Country Team flicking up after a great win.
On your mark, Get set, Go
September 27, 2024
There are some big match-ups in college football, especially a duel between second-ranked Georgia and fourth-ranked Alabama. Art by Al Lombardi
Bo’s Picks: The best college football games to watch in Week 5
September 25, 2024
The key to keeping our teachers in the classroom is building a strong community and fair compensation
The key to retaining teachers: a stronger community
November 21, 2024
Seniors Jackie Rappold, Victoria Neiva, and Jeremy Stroh celebrate a big finish.
2024 Homecoming Dance-Off Video
November 6, 2024
Upper School Director Mrs. Conn reviews the Future White Coats club poster
The Club Fair Offers Avenues for Students to Explore Their Passions
October 21, 2024
Streets are flooded and many signs are knocked down on AMI.
Hurricane Milton impacts AMI with 1-2 punch
October 18, 2024
Pictured is the Rod and Reel Pier, which was severely impacted by the storm
The Anna Maria Island community comes together after Hurricane Helene
October 16, 2024
The key to keeping our teachers in the classroom is building a strong community and fair compensation
The key to retaining teachers: a stronger community
November 21, 2024
Seniors Jackie Rappold, Victoria Neiva, and Jeremy Stroh celebrate a big finish.
2024 Homecoming Dance-Off Video
November 6, 2024
Upper School Director Mrs. Conn reviews the Future White Coats club poster
The Club Fair Offers Avenues for Students to Explore Their Passions
October 21, 2024
Pictured is the Rod and Reel Pier, which was severely impacted by the storm
The Anna Maria Island community comes together after Hurricane Helene
October 16, 2024
The first Falcon Friend Event of the year saw students brainstorming potential future FF events.
Falcon Friends: Past, Present, and Future
October 3, 2024
Spread a little kindness everywhere you go.
Share Your Voice S4 E2- Kindness is Always in Full Bloom
July 29, 2024
Click the image for the episode! We cover everything from college applications, to what seniors wish they knew before applying.
College Pod E2
April 30, 2024
Click the image for the episode! We cover everything from college applications, to what seniors wish they knew before applying.
The College Pod E1
April 29, 2024
Mr. Cotton alongside colleague and spouse Mrs. Cotton
Conversations with Ricardo
November 29, 2023
Conversations with Ricardo
Conversations with Ricardo
November 3, 2023
The senior class debuts their creative float to the audience
Pep Rally Photo Gallery
November 8, 2024
Seniors end their dance off with a confetti canon.
Photo Gallery: Dance Off 2024-2025
November 6, 2024
Streets are flooded and many signs are knocked down on AMI.
Hurricane Milton impacts AMI with 1-2 punch
October 18, 2024
Three friends grin big while celebrating the blessing of their stuffed animals and dog.
Photo Gallery: Blessing of the Animals
October 17, 2024
Mrs. Conn checked out the Future White Coats Club, started by Christina Collazo '25.
Photo Gallery: 2024-2025 Annual Club Fair
September 5, 2024
Reese Williams delivered her senior speech.
Reese Williams Senior Speech
March 27, 2024
Theo Frano delivered his Senior speech.
Theo Frano Senior Speech
March 27, 2024
Sam Mascera delivers her senior speech.
Sam Mascera’s Senior Speech
March 22, 2024
Alex Long delivers his Senior Speech
Alex Long’s Senior Speech
March 22, 2024
Madelyn Cox delivers her Senior Speech
Madelyn Cox’s Senior Speech
March 22, 2024
the official student-produced news site for Saint Stephen's Episcopal School

the Gauntlet
the official student-produced news site for Saint Stephen's Episcopal School

the Gauntlet
Alex McLemore

Alex McLemore, Editor In Chief

Alex McLemore is a senior and a third-year gauntlet member. He valiantly leads the Gauntlet for the 2023-2024 school year as the Editor in Chief. While he is “off-duty,” he loves performing at various community theaters. In college, he hopes to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater. McLemore is also an avid movie junky. His favorite songs include anything Lana Del Ray, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, and Be More by Stephen Sanchez. 



All content by Alex McLemore
I feel as though I'm running towards a void, with my only guide being a clock, counting down till the life I've known slips from my fingers.

The paradoxical reality of graduating high school: am I ready?

Alex McLemore, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2024
Mosaics are often used as metaphors to describe people's lives; Life is made up of many individual, unique moments and experiences, and, when all pieced together, they create a beautiful portrait of an individual's life-- just like a mosaic.

To be or to become?

Alex McLemore, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2024
Click the image for the episode! We cover everything from college applications, to what seniors wish they knew before applying.

[Photo] College Pod E2

Finn Kemp, Staff Writer
April 30, 2024
Click the image for the episode! We cover everything from college applications, to what seniors wish they knew before applying.

[Photo] The College Pod E1

Finn Kemp, Staff Writer
April 29, 2024
With 38 days till graduation, let student voices be heard. We want the ability to decorate our grad caps; we want the ability to be authentically ourselves on graduation day.

Let us be individuals, let us decorate our grad caps

Alex McLemore, Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2024
The results are in! Here is your 2024-25 Student Council

2024-25 Student Council Election Results

Alex McLemore, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2024
Understanding the reason for the "no's" can help ease the heartache involved and give you a better outlook on your decision.

Understanding the changing college admission scene

Alex McLemore, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2024
The Conn advisory poses for a during Senior Breakfast.

Senior Breakfast is a smash

Reese Williams, Alex McLemore, and Cassidy Miller
January 12, 2024
Seniors pull off an epic victory during the float and skit competion.

[Photo] Senior spirit is still burning

Reese Williams, Associate Editor
September 29, 2023
Michelango once said, "every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it." I believe our lives are like stone, we must see the life we want and chisel it into existence.

Nothing is set in stone

Alex McLemore, Editor in chief
September 18, 2023
Performance arts are only fully appreciated when it is seen live. Find a local theater and see the wonder that is performing art.

Live art is dying

Alex McLemore, Editor in Chief
April 12, 2023
The Brown brothers were standouts at the University of Illinois.

NFL Network film crew to soar into Saint Stephen’s

Julia Craig and Alex McLemore
March 24, 2023
Not "belonging" to a faith can make you feel alone. You look around and everyone around you "belongs," but you.

My personal struggle with faith

Alex McLemore, Associate Editor
November 16, 2022
Being the golden child feels as though there are a million things trying to pull you down. Expectations from yourself and others can completely derail your sense of self.

The harsh reality of being the golden child

Alex McLemore, Associate Editor
September 16, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-08-26 at 10.58.13 AM

[Photo] Falcon summer adventures

August 26, 2022
PTSD can come from any situation. It isn't a one size fits all term.

Behind the wheel

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
May 4, 2022
The mirror's reflection of me vs how I truly appear

Creature of Comparison

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
March 16, 2022
Music Man broadway poster that displays title performs' names.

‘Music Man’ controversy sparks change

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
March 1, 2022
Finding the perfect balance between summer sun and portfolio isn't so hard.

The perfect summer

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
February 15, 2022
Shown above is Mulan from 2020 compared to the Mulan from 1998.

Have you ever seen an indie film?

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
January 25, 2022
Charlie Chaplin dressed as his creation, "The Little Tramp."

Two Falcons to star in Chaplin

Alex Mclemore, Staff Writer
January 10, 2022
The stigma surrounding this community causes mental health issues that can permanently harm the subject.

The elephant in the room

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
December 3, 2021

Christmas is cheerier

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
November 19, 2021
Turkey or Tinsel?

Turkey or Tinsel?

Alex McLemore and Sophia Berry
November 19, 2021
Showcased here are two pictures of Alex McLemore alongside his close friends as he wears the wedding dress.

The only one that can touch your masculinity is you

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
November 2, 2021
Outlines of several College pennants.

Should sophomores attend college rep visits?

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
October 6, 2021
An arena, collapsing down around someone. Their feet are stuck and they stand and watch as it all falls down.

You aren’t alone

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
A collage of photos taken at Dream Oaks Camp featuring Caroline Pope, Alex McLemore and Camp Director Bryanna Shepard alongside several campers.

How a checkbox can change you

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
September 21, 2021
Mrs. Conn

Mrs. Conn

Alex McLemore, Staff Writer
September 7, 2021
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Alex McLemore