Peak Geeks

Mariane Ghazaleh
Staff Writer

Apex offers a variety of programs, honor societies and clubs to benefit students. One of these is the Academy of Information Technology. When asked about what AOIT is, a surprising variety of answers showed misconceptions. Freshman and sophomore students think AOIT is an extracurricular or advanced placement program. Most were able to guess the ‘T’ stood for technology. One common misconception is that AOIT students are smarter than other students at Apex. AOIT students are just like any other high schooler; the difference is that their classes are integrated through technology, projects, and presentations. Freshman Nikolas Mihaliak describes the program as a “great learning experience for people who aren’t familiar with technology.” Sophomore Ryan Heavner agrees saying that it is “a really good opportunity to get into technology.” Heavner’s favorite class is computer programming, where he is able to create his own video games. Heavner, like some other AOIT students, joined at his own initiative. Sophomore Sydney Andrew warns incoming freshmen, “If you’re not prepared to do a lot more work, then you probably shouldn’t do it.”

To get into AOIT, students apply at the end of their eighth grade year. If the student has a sibling in the program, they are automatically accepted, and the rest of the students are put into a lottery. Getting into AOIT is pretty much the luck of the draw. “I feel like I am missing out,” says sophomore Gab Cremmins. “AOIT people are smart and the program is a good idea. I wish it was more open.”

AOIT

Academy funding comes from business partnerships. Right now the program is relatively small – only ninety students per graduating class. Hopefully in the future, AOIT can expand and fund additional classes. Physical education teacher Michael Bagnasco is not involved in the program but says technology and physical education aren’t completely incompatible. Some athletes are AOIT students, and if he were able, Bagnasco would incorporate technology in his classes. As a personal trainer, he uses applications to measure O₂ consumption and technology to create personalized fitness plans for his trainees. Future funding could broaden the program and make it more open for students like Cremmins.

The Academy of Information Technology is a great way for students to learn skills related to IT fields and be challenged in academic and professional areas. AOIT has helped seniors with building resumes, having successful interviews and getting an internship. The computer oriented classes benefit students beyond high school no matter what career they choose. Overall, the ‘Peak Geeks’ are among the various groups of students in a diverse school.