For 60 years, South Stokes High School has stood as a bastion of pride, perseverance, and honor. Through every challenge and every triumph, the spirit of the Saura has remained strong.
The decade of the 2020s began with a global challenge—the Covid 19 pandemic. But even a worldwide crisis couldn’t dim the light of our school community.
Even under a mask, our students couldn’t hide their pride for South Stokes.
Under the steady leadership of Principal Johnna Cheek, and then Principal Chris Bottoms, our school adapted, endured, and returned to normal following the 2021–2022 school year—stronger than ever.
Athletics roared back to life. In just the first four years of this decade, our teams brought home conference championships in basketball, baseball, and softball.
And state champions emerged—Jalee Brown and Barry Hairston Jr. in track, and Sawyer Slate in golf. True testaments to hard work and Saura strength.
One of the most electrifying stories of the decade? Coach Jason Clark’s men’s basketball program. With four conference championships, four tournament titles, and deep playoff runs—including a trip to the Final Four—his teams showed what it means to fight with pride.
In the arts, our theater department brought magic to life with unforgettable productions of The Living Storybook, and the hit musical Mamma Mia! lit up the stage.
The visual arts continued to inspire. Flor Rodriguez, a Saura graduate, earned numerous awards and accolades for her incredible talent—shining a light on the power of creativity at South Stokes.
The JROTC program, led by Chief Warrant Officer Jurkiewicz and Gunny Largen, expanded beyond drill and rifle into drone and raider competitions, preparing students for leadership in the modern world.
Our Future Farmers of America keep us connected to our roots. Whether teaching second graders about farm life during Farm Animal Days, competing nationally, or riding tractors to school during FFA Week, they keep tradition alive—while embracing innovation.
And new traditions bloom. Saura Senior Serve Day sees our graduates return to where their journeys began—walking the halls of their elementary schools, completing service projects, and celebrating with friends. It’s a beautiful way to honor the past while giving back to the future.
Through kindness, respect, academics, and honor, our students are building more than futures—they’re building a stronger community.
As this decade unfolds, we see the promise of tomorrow in every student, teacher, and staff member.
For 60 years, South Stokes High School has been more than just a school—it’s been a family. A legacy. A home.
And remember…
South Stokes is the only place in the world where you can be… a Saura.