Meet this year's valedictorian and salutatorian

Dylan Tastet
Staff Writer

Valedictorian – Sanjna Iyengar

Sanjna Iyengar and Trevor Hair 

GPA: 5.2

Future plans: honors college at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in biomedical engineering

Career Plans: to go to medical school and become a neurologist

Clubs – National Honor Society, TutorConnect (president/founder), French Club (president), Math Club (president), Key Club, National Technical Honor Society (tutoring lead), French Honor Society

Hobbies: tennis, piano, art, ballet, reading

Favorite Food: pasta

Favorite Movie(s): the Divergent series

Favorite Class: Art gave Sanjna the freedom to express herself, so it is one of her favorite classes. She also enjoyed AP Calculus because of the interesting subject matter and because Calculus “…taught me how to think about math in a way I have never thought about before”

Favorite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

Salutatorian – Trevor Hair

GPA: 5.1

Scholarships/awards Earned: Alpha Delta Kappa Mary Rose Mills-Linda Rankin Memorial Scholarship

Future Plans: going to UNC-Chapel Hill

Career Plans: to become a computer scientist/programmer

Clubs: National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Student Council (president)

Hobbies: swimming, video games

Favorite Food: cheeseburger

Favorite Movie(s): Identity Thief

Favorite Class: “Spanish, because I love foreig

n languages and I have had amazing Spanish teachers.”

Favorite Quote: “Stay awesome, bros.” -Pewdiepie

What to do during summer break

Jo Gatlin
Staff Writer

Summer break is the number one season that all students look forward to. There are only 76 days of summer vacation and every day should be spent eventfully before heading back to school. No more excuses for summer boredom. If you are lacking summer plans, here are some activities to pack your summer with.

Outdoor Activities: Go on a nature walk. There are so many outdoor activities that keep your body in motion. (Swimming, running, biking, hiking, etc.) After some exercise sit under a shady tree and enjoy a picnic with friends. Display the beauty of summer flowers fully in bloom by planting some in a garden or in your own yard. Later in the day as the sun goes down, enjoy some outdoor camping with friends followed by a bonfire and some late night stargazing. Try to go on a clear night, in order to see the stars.

Ask Apex: Summer activities

Kenison Garratt and Jo Gatlin
Staff Writers

Apex High School students are eager for summer, many are even counting down the days. Each student is excited for something different. Some are planning family vacations, some are applying for jobs and others are just going to relax at home. Whatever is being planned, everyone can agree they cannot wait for summer vacation. With school letting out, there will be limitless possibilities for ways to spend the summer. A recently conducted poll reveals Apex High’s summer activity preferences. 

Seniors attending out of state colleges 2015

Zane Muzzillo
Staff Writer

Seniors attending in-state colleges 2015

Zane Muzzillo
Staff Writer

Timeline: Our four years in high school

Michael Lyday and Nicholas Chupka
Features Editor and News Editor

As graduation day approaches, seniors rejoice over the end of their high school careers and look back at the many memories that came to define their experience. Here is a timeline detailing the memorable news stories of the day which we look back on as the history of our time in high school.

http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/466680/Our-Four-Years-in-High-School/

Tips for rooming in college

Michael Lyday and Adam Mancini
Features Editor and Staff Writer

As you head off to college, one thing you'll need is a roommate, as most universities require freshmen to live on campus. Here are some tips from two future roommates on how to deal with this new experience.

1)      Plan what each person will bring before moving day. While some surprises can be good, if both of you show up with mini-fridges it could become an issue.

2)      When selecting a roommate, going with your best friend can be a risky move. You may be two peas in a pod right now, but it’s said you have to live with someone to truly know him or her.

3)      You’ll have to learn how to deal with conflicts that arise with your roommate. It is important to communicate and be upfront with your problems. Letting issues simmer only leads to contention and mistrust.

4)      Lay down some ground rules on day one. You should agree on a few basic rules, such as what (and who) is allowed in the dorm, what food belongs to whom, or what time to turn out the lights. This leads to fewer misunderstandings in the future.

5)      Don’t expect to be with your roommate 24/7. There will be time where one of you goes out without the other or one of you needs some time alone. Remember that you are both individuals and will need to go your own ways. 

Diann Kearney reflects on past few weeks

Alexandria Sands
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Diann Kearney began her position as principal on May 1. Upon Kearney’s arrival, she has found herself faced with many challenges. “It’s been really busy, as you might imagine. Coming to a new school the beginning of May, the busiest time of the year, it’s been a little bit challenging,” said Kearney. “I’m trying to walk around, go into every class several times, and meet teachers; then, remember what their name is, what they teach, and where they teach.”

Kearney expressed her impression of Apex so far, saying “I like how everyone is very friendly and the entire community is welcoming. They seem to be very patient and understand that it's going to take me a little while to learn the ‘Apex way.’ So far, it’s been really good.”

As far as changes go, Kearney doesn't have anything too dramatic planned. “At this time, I don't have any major changes on my list of things to do. We are talking about some adjustments, just to make things go more smoothly. I’m sure that after we go through this month and graduation that we might have some reflections of things that we can adjust, but I don't anticipate any significant changes.”

Apex students arrive back from the "Big Apple"

Sarah Kebea
Editor-in-Chief

It isn’t often that high school students get the chance to venture off into the world for an educational experience.  A group of 27 Apex students traveled to the Big Apple for Apex’s annual N.Y.C. Fashion trip from April 8 through Apex April 11.  Besides enduring the nine hour bus drive, the trip allowed students to broaden their views on the fashion industry.

View of New York City from New Jersey

The group stayed in New Jersey to minimize the cost of the trip.  Cindy Allen, Scott Ferguson, Dawn Harrison and Dana Styles joined the group on the trip as chaperones.  When asked of his chaperone experience, Ferguson replied that it was “great…everyone is really nice, the ones [students] who have been [the year before] come back because they are excited to be back.” 

Radio City Music Hall

The group visited Kent State University’s N.Y.C. Studio and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) on this year’s trip, and also saw buildings of NYU spread throughout the city while they were out shopping, of course.  The group shopped at Macy’s, DASH, and a few other shops.  Junior Rose Quince revealed shopping was her favorite part of this year’s trip as she recalled the eight story Macy’s, with the world’s oldest wooden escalator saying, “[it was] either that or the stairs.”  Quince went on both this year’s and last year’s trip.  Quince is a firm believer that both trips to the Big Apple helped her with her design and overall construction of her fashion ideas, “Last year I totally failed making a dress; after I went [on the trip] it totally helped.”  Senior Taylor Stokes also went on this year’s trip, but unlike Quince, it was her first time going on the trip.  She said going to see the Broadway show, Mamma Mia, was her favorite part of the trip, “…it was really funny and I love musicals.”  The group also visited some prime tourist spots including Times Square, Soho, and Chinatown. 

Ferguson would like to see more students participate in the trip.  Of the trip, he said “…anyone who likes culture and the city in general [should go on the trip].”  When asked if he would chaperone the trip again, Ferguson replied, “If they asked me, I would definitely go.”  Next year’s N.Y.C. fashion trip has yet to be announced.  

Apex art history students hit D.C.

Nicholas Chupka & Zane Muzzillo
News Editor and Staff Writer

Apex art history students made the annual trek to Washington, D.C. this past Friday, paying a visit to both the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Art teacher Ian Sands said, “This trip was very successful, despite both the east wing of the National Gallery of Art and the second floor of the Hirshhorn Museum being closed. However, the itinerary was customized to accommodate the closings.”

This trip marked Sands’ ninth year hosting the trip. He reflects on how the excursion has changed over time, saying, “We added a visit to the Hirshhorn to the trip the second year, and scheduled less docent-led tours. Now we only do one docent-led tour and we started at the Hirshhorn this year, unlike past years.”

Tips to overcome senioritis

Aaron Koch
Staff Writer

Like many high school seniors I wake up as late as possible, shower, then drive to school as a surrogate corpse whose sole function is to attend school. Because of exemptions, most seniors do show up every day, but their efforts aren't always exemplary. We're coming to the end of a very long tunnel, it can be hard to care. Unfortunately for those who cannot find the motivation to cure their apathy, their chance of graduation might be at risk. Here are some things that might help:

1.      Make a goal

If you have a reason to go to school then you will. Pick an applicable goal of your knowledge, find a way to make sure that the classes you are taking now will help you in the future. Maybe if civics taught me how to file a tax return, I might have actually shown up.

2.      Feel empowered

I feel that one of the main reasons for not attending or slacking in school is because it makes the student feel empowered. It’s senior year, you’re probably 18 and you still have to ask to go to the bathroom? It’s insulting, I know. So for your senior year, try to do tasks not because the teacher told you, but because you chose to do so.

Potato "promposal" mashes the competition

Adam Mancini & Zane Muzzillo
Staff Writers

Apex High senior Nick Fowler has clinched victory in the “promposal” contest. Fowler asked Andrea Gorcynzski by carving the word prom into a potato. “It was my first try, it took like three minutes,” Fowler explained. The post began to gain attention immediately, reaching 400 (each favorite counts as a vote) favorites in less than a day.

“I don’t understand why this happened. I don’t think anyone really knows why it happened,” Fowler said in reaction to the popularity of his proposal. The young potato whittler was never in it for the fame or the victory. “I didn’t do it for the favorites. I did it for her. I won when she said yes,” said Fowler. The contest ended Monday night, with Fowler’s post standing at 950 favorites, compared to the second place post with 409 favorites. Fowler and Gorcynzski will win free tickets to prom as a result of their first place finish. 

Ask Apex: Throwback TV shows

Jo Gatlin and Kenison Garratt
Staff Writers

Everyone can recall their favorite television show from their childhood. Many of the throwback shows our generation enjoyed were aired on Disney Channel, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network. Results from a recently conducted poll of Apex High students show the most popular television series from the ‘90s and early 2000s.

Fox 50 Lip Dub voting begins online

Alexandria Sands
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The voting for this year’s Fox50 Lip Dub began March 30. The winning school will receive $10,000. Crabtree Valley Mall is sponsoring a $1000 prize to be rewarded to the most creative video. There is also a $500 prize for the video that demonstrates the most school spirit and teamwork.

Poll: What color is the dress?

Kenison Garratt & Jo Gatlin
Staff Writers

The results are in for a recently conducted optical illusion poll on Apex High School students and staff.

What color is this dress?

Some argue the dress is black and blue, others white and gold, and some see an entirely different combination of colors. The dress has been popping up on different sorts of social media, and this controversial image has people taking sides. While some pick a color team, others argue that there are two images, and some find themselves constantly switching between the two combinations.

Laptop options for college

Dylan Tastet
Staff Writer

The laptop is the modern college student’s most important tool, and for this reason it has become a large part of every student’s college expense. A college-suitable laptop can cost upwards of $1,000, so it is important to buy a laptop that is dependable, long-lasting, and powerful enough to perform any necessary task.

Nobody knows your college computing needs better than the college you will be attending. Many colleges such as Appalachian State University, UNCC, UNCW, and North Carolina State University have online stores where students can buy laptops, speakers, tablets and more at a discounted price. The stores also offer a range of protection plans to safeguard your investments. UNC Chapel Hill even offers on campus repairs and loaner laptops for students purchasing a computer through the university.

Newspaper and other electives looking for applicants

Alexandria Sands
Arts & Entertainment Editor

There are a number of electives that require an application. One of those classes, is newspaper.

“My years in newspaper have been great ones, I've developed essential writing and interviewing skills needed for my future.  Other than that, newspaper has a more laid back atmosphere than other electives, if you meet your deadlines.” - Sarah Kebea (three year veteran, editor-in-chief)

Here at Apex Legacy, we update students on worldwide, local, and school news. If you enjoy journalism, sports, reviewing music or movies, sharing your opinions, photography, or cartooning you could be a valued member of the newspaper staff in the 2015-2016 school year. Applications are available in student service. Please complete and return to student services by February 10.

Diocese of Raleigh breaks ground for new cathedral

Jessica Stiehm
Staff Writer

The Catholic Diocese of Raleigh celebrated the groundbreaking and Rite of Blessing for a new cathedral on January 3. The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral will replace Sacred Heart Cathedral, which has become inadequate the number of parishioners over the years. Over 700 people attended the ceremony and took part in the prayer service that commemorated the event. The building is expected to take two years to construct and will seat 2,000 parishioners. The $41 million building fund was commissioned in 2011 with Bishop Michael Burbidge saying that cathedral imagined would be the cathedral that, “God’s people will let us build.” Originally funding was estimated to be between $75-90 million, with a basement and parking deck envisioned. Instead they were eliminated from the plans to accommodate for the lesser funds.

"We are building a worthy drawing place for God - a home for all the faithful in the diocese. A beautiful and spacious church whose doors will be open to all. A place where sacred music will be heard and lectures will be conducted," Burbidge stated before the ceremony.

New Year’s resolution: health kick

Katie Mazanec
Staff Writer

If you have chosen to be healthier this year, here are ten tips to follow. It is not too late to start either; use these tips to kick start your healthy habits.

Nutrition-

• Eat breakfast: Starting off the morning with quality nutrients for your brain will help you perform at your best. By skipping breakfast there is nothing for your brain to run on and you will continue to feel tired.
• Avoid sugar: Sugar is currently in the majority of the processed foods we eat. It is also highly addictive and can damage your health if too much is consumed. By staying away from refined sugar and consuming a reasonable amount of natural sugars (specifically fruit) you can help improve your overall health easily.   
• Drink water: 70-75% of your total body weight is water and it is important to stay hydrated so the vital organs can function properly.
• Eat your greens: Green vegetables are filled with antioxidants and nutrients that will help your immune system, along with many other bodily functions. Eating greens can regularly improve one’s health, so eat up!
• Avoid takeout: By making your own food you know exactly what is going into your body. Fast food has lots of added preservatives and other chemicals that many are unaware of.

Well-being and exercise-

E-Cigarettes: the way of the future with risks from the past

Claire Feasey
Staff Writer

Twenty-three percent of high school students use tobacco products. Fact.

One in five adults and teenagers smoke. Fact.

The most dangerous part of the cigarette is the smoke. Fact.

E-Cigarettes are safer than tobacco. Debatable.

E-Cigarettes are battery-powered devices that turn nicotine into a vapor that the user inhales. It eliminates the threat of smoke and tobacco, while still providing the nicotine high. An Apex High School student, who asked to remain anonymous, stated, “My parents let me get one. They figured it was better than letting me smoke regular menthol cigarettes.”

The problems with E-Cigarettes start with the fact that nicotine is addictive. Withdrawal can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and so much more. Nicotine can cause an array of symptoms, such as general pain, change in taste, dizziness, stomach discomfort, and even death. It also promotes tumor growth. According to Medscape, nicotine addiction is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.