Several new films hit theaters as spring begins

Michael Lyday
Editor-in-Chief

This March and April as flowers bloom attracting waves of bees and birds, movie theaters across America will look to do the same with the opening of many long-awaited blockbusters.

The first is the stylized action film 300: Rise of an Empire.  Opening March 7, it is the sequel to 2006’s popular film 300. The story picks up with the Greek general Themistokles leading his army against the Persian onslaught faced by Leonidas in the previous film.

Also opening March 7 is the family-friendly animated film Mr. Peabody & Sherman. Directed by Rob Minkoff, the director of The Lion King, the movie follows the adventures of the super-smart talking dog Mr. Peabody and his adopted son Sherman as they journey through time.

The problems Sochi faced

Sarah Kebea
Arts and Entertainment Editor 

Every country that has ever hosted the Olympics has made understandable mistakes.  Although some may think that the Sochi Winter Olympics have been the worst in ages, in reality there have been a few problems, but no one has the resources to pinpoint the Sochi Olympics as being “the worst” Olympics ever.

Sochi Olympics

First, stories have been all over the news regarding the living conditions in Sochi.  Journalists have been posting photos on social media with unfinished hotel rooms, yellow tap water, odd toilets, and an overpopulation of stray animals.  Sochi’s stray animal situation was so much of a problem for the Games that Russia was actually worried about animals ending up in the stadium and disrupting competition.

Another huge problem surrounding the Sochi games was the dangerous conditions of the outside courses.  The dangerously steep slopes caused 22 injuries by Monday, February 17, including one Russian skier, Maria Komissarova, who broke her spine during a ski training run.

ACT tips

Shauna Hines
Staff Writer

Juniors, the ACT is in two weeks on Tuesday, March 18. Take advantage of this opportunity because the school is providing you with a chance to take a college entrance exam that can be used on college applications, and it’s FREE.

ACT logo

The ACT consists of reading, writing, math, and science sections. In preparation, take online practice tests and review basic math and science concepts. If there is a particular topic you struggle with most, focus on that section while taking practice exams. However, do not stress. Some people prefer the SAT over the ACT, so take this opportunity to find out which test better suits you.

There will be 15 minute breaks between testing sections, so bring snacks because the testing session will last at least three hours.

Some test day tips are to eat a wholesome breakfast, drink a little caffeinated tea, and eat a piece of chocolate before the exam. This will help you focus and give you energy to stay awake through the test.

Remember to bring #2 pencils, your school ID, and a calculator, but do not bring your phone. If it goes off during the test, the test will not count for everyone in the session.

For more information or test preparation materials, visit act.org.

N.C. pop star runs for congress

Zane Muzzillo

Aiken's 2003 debut LP

Staff Writer

Clay Aiken, openly gay former American Idol star, is running for Congress in this upcoming election. He will be facing Renee Ellmers, who won the last election with a 56% - 41% majority. Aiken has experience working with politicians. “I’m a Democrat but when I was appointed by President Bush to serve on a special presidential commission to address the educational challenges with children with special needs, I happily served,” stated Aiken. He believes that both parties have to work together to help move our country forward. “Our problems won’t be solved by one party or another,” he says.

College tips for all

Devon McCarroll
Staff Writer 

Apex alumni were asked the following questions about college and these are their responses.

1. What classes did you find most helpful to take in high school/college?

 Maggie Creamer, class of 2012: "Definitely the AP classes that got me out of gen-eds here, that was the best! It was nice to be ahead and have time in my schedule to take classes that weren't necessary, but that I was actually interested in."

Caroline Lewis, class of 2012: "The most effective classes in high school sometimes depend on your major, but for me they have been CTE courses in business and marketing, and courses I took through AOIT like Computer Applications, Multimedia, and E-Commerce I and II. Coach Thomas' AP U.S. History is definitely one that has stuck with me and helped me a lot! Same with AP U.S. Government and Politics."

Katie Stanton, class of 2012: "AP Calc was super helpful because if you pass the exam then you don't have to take it in college but actually, I think it really helped me learn to think and integrate information - a skill that I've been able to use in other classes too. Speech was super helpful because it makes you more comfortable for presentations, job interview, etc. I recommend taking a Psych course in college because it has really opened my eyes to why certain people may act the way they do and the best way to solve problems with others."

 Collin Gibbons, class of 2012: "AP classes are beneficial in the sense that they are actually pretty comparable to college courses – the writing for APUSH and AP Euro were similar to the history class I took here. The experience of AP exams is also pretty comparable to finals."

Kyle May, class of 2012: "Small Business and Advanced Marketing Studies definitely helped me decide what I wanted to do in college and establish my goals for the workforce."

Michael Sam breaks down NFL barriers

Adam Mancini
Sports Editor

Forget about Johnny Manziel or Jadeveon Clowney; All-American defensive end Michael Sam from Missouri is the talk of the 2014 NFL Draft. On tape, he’s nothing truly special. He led the Southeastern Conference with 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, but he’s not the strongest man on the field and isn’t the fastest either. He’s projected to go somewhere around the third or fourth round. So why is a mid-round, underwhelming defensive end grabbing all the headlines leading up to the draft? All because of an announcement that’s become commonplace everywhere except in the NFL: Sam is an openly homosexual man.

Swim and Dive Team reminiscences on successful season

Natalia Ghan
Staff Writer

Seniors Jordyn Barham, Leigh DeForest, Allie Snyder,
and Emma Williams

The women’s Swim and Dive Team have had a very successful season. The ladies were able to achieve second in conference and regionals, and place fourth in the 4A State Championship meet. Competing swimmers throughout the season were a mixture of old and new athletes. Senior Emma Williams had a strong showing at regionals, placing fourth in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:54.2, and fifth in the 100-meter butterfly with a 59.07. Senior dive captain Shauna Hines suffered from a torn meniscus after her first meet, but still saw her season in a positive light. “It was sad that I didn’t get to dive as much this year, but it was fun to watch everybody perform. The girls worked really hard and Hannah Smedley was even able to make it to states in her first year diving.” Some underclassmen also made great progress this year. Sophomore Hannah Day dropped a total of 18 seconds in her 500- meter freestyle, and by the end of the season was swimming a 5:01.45 at the state meet, finishing in fifth. Day recounted her season as one where, “I showed more of what I can do. That I have potential for the team.”  Freshman Madison Deters, who competed in the 200-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle relay at states, says, “This year was a really fun experience as a whole team. Everyone was really supportive and welcoming as I came in as a freshman.” Junior Claire Williams, who currently holds the school record in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:04.05, agreed that the team’s dynamics are just as good as the nearly perfect record of 18-1. Williams says she is looking forward to the 2014-2015 season. “Even though we are losing wonderful seniors, the bonds we’ve created in addition to underclassmen potential will really bring us back strong for next year.” 

The Curtains Are Opening...

Grace Fendrick
Staff Writer

Apex Peak Players’ Productions spring musical, Curtains, opening curtain is this Friday night. The show is based around a Boston production of “Robbin’ Hood.” After someone is murdered, Lt. Frank Cioffi, played by junior Will Stapleton, comes to investigate, quarantining the theatre. While searching for evidence leading him to the killer, Lt. Cioffi also assists in fixing the show with a new lead, selected by the main producer Carmen Bernstein, played by senior Sarah Crowley. Despite objections from her divorced husband and composer Aaron Fox, played by junior David Flowers, lyricist Georgia Hendricks, played by senior Katie Bowyer, is thrown into the role. Other leads include sophomores Ainsley Seiger as Niki Harris and Rick Shocket in the role of Bobby Pepper. Curtains is open Feb. 28, March 1, and 6-8. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $7-$9 online at apexdrama.com or $10 at the door. For more information e-mail Gina Winter at gwinter@wcpss.net. Get your tickets before they run out.

Explore the meaning of Spirit Rock

Mariane Ghazaleh
Staff Writer

Spirit Rock rests outside
 of the Auxiliary Gym

The Spirit Rock overlooks the athletic field behind Apex High School. On any given day, you can walk back there and see how students have painted it to show support for different sport teams and their fellow classmates. What most students don’t realize is that there is a deeper story behind the decorated stone.

In 2006, the student body president, Ozzie Vargas, died in a zip line accident while on a retreat. The tragic death was a traumatizing experience for both students and teachers. The shock brought on an “outpouring of affection” says Principal Matthew Wight. “He was loved by people, and people wanted to do something to commemorate his life.” At other schools Wight had been at, there was a spirit rock where kids could show support for the school. Apex High faculty and students thought the rock would be an appropriate remembrance of Vargas’ energy, spirit, and enthusiasm. A stone quarry donated the hand-picked rock to the school and it was decided the rock should overlook the athletic field.

Now, the stone is a symbol of school spirit and a memorial for people who gave so much to the school and whose time has passed. Wight describes the overlook as a “free expression area with the rock as its center piece.” Vargas may be gone, but his legacy lives on through the frequently used Spirit Rock.

Remembering America's young sweetheart

Grace Fendrick

Staff Writer 

America’s sweetheart, Shirley Temple Black passed away this month. Born in Santa Monica, California, on April 23, 1928 to Gertrude and Francis Temple, a starlet was born. First appearing on the screen at just three years old in Educational Pictures’ Baby Burlesks, it was the beginning of something great. She was a light in the midst of the darkness of the Great Depression, someone America will always remember. The year of 1934 was an outstanding one for the young actress. After Education Pictures declared bankruptcy in 1933, Temple signed with Fox Film Corporation, which would later merge to become 20th Century Fox, in February of the next year. In April she was featured in her breakout film, Stand Up and Cheer! In December of that year she starred in her first full-length film, Bright Eyes, which brought around her hit song “On the Good Ship Lollipop”; due to Temple’s many accomplishments she was honored with miniature Juvenile Oscar. Temple’s films provided a time for the public to forget the troubles of the Depression; Franklin D. Roosevelt said, As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right." She went on to produce four films a year for 20th Century Fox, including, Curly Top, which produced yet another hit song, “Animal Crackers in My Soup.” Other performances include the films, Heidi, The Little Princess, and her personal favorite, Wee Willie Winkie. Many setbacks occurred, and after being denied for the role of Peter Pan on Broadway, she announced her official retirement from the big screen at the age of 32.

Winter Olympic update 7

Shauna Hines
Features Editor

Here is a wrap up of the last few American athletes that earned medals, plus a total medal count.

2014 Olympic Games

Although the women’s hockey team was disappointed after their loss to the Canadian team in the gold medal match, they did still earn themselves a silver medal.

After barely advancing into finals, the men’s short track 5000 meter relay team earned a silver medal, the only U.S. short track medal of the games.

By earning gold in ladies’ slalom, 18-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin is now the youngest Olympic slalom gold medalist in history.

Maddie Bowman earned gold in the premier of the women’s halfpipe skiing event in the Winter Olympics.

The four-man bobsled team consisting of Steve Holcomb, Steven Langton, Curt Tomasevicz, and Chris Fogt earned a bronze medal one of the final events of the Games. With this medal, Holcomb has broken yet another 62-year drought set in 1952 by winning medals in both the two-man and four-man bobsled competitions and is the first American bobsled driver to win three Olympic medals.

In the final medal count, the United States earned 9 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze medals for the second highest total of 28 medals. Russia had the highest total with 33 medals and the most gold with 13 medals.

The Sochi Winter Olympics have come to a successful end, but right around the corner are the Paralympics. They will air March 7-14 on NBC and will be featuring 700 Paralympic athletes.

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.”

Winter Olympic update 6

Shauna Hines
Features Editor

After a disappointing finish in the super combined, Ted Ligety won gold in men’s giant slalom and is now the first U.S. men’s skier to win gold in giant slalom and two alpine skiing events.

Two American women’s bobsled teams made the podium with Elana Maeyers and Beatrise Williams earning silver and Jamie Greubel and Aja Evans earning bronze.

The women’s ice hockey gold medal match, ladies free skate, men’s ski cross, and ladies’ ski halfpipe are all on NBC tonight.

Winter Olympic medals

Winter Olympic update 5

Shauna Hines
Features Editor

David Wise, three-time Winter X-Game champion, earned gold in the men’s ski halfpipe although snow was falling and sight was limited.

Olympic rings

 In men’s snowboard cross, Alex Deibold won a bronze medal. During the last Olympics he was a board technician who waxed the snowboards for team USA and used it as motivation in his training so that he could represent America by competing this Olympics.

Tonight on NBC watch out for the men’s hockey quarter finals, men’s giant slalom, biathlon mixed relay, men’s team cross country sprint, women’s bobsledding, and men’s parallel giant slalom.

How Media Inspires Fashion Choices

Sarah Hirst 
Staff Writer

The hit show The Carrie Diaries is the prequel to Sex in the City and is set in 1980’s New York City. The 80s were filled with very colorful styles like, scrunchies, neon dresses, leggings, leg warmers, parachute pants and oversized sweatshirts. Whatever didn’t match was put together. The Carrie Diaries has put the rainbow back into fashion by showing the best fashion of the 80s. Eric Daman, the costume designer for hit TV shows Gossip Girl and The Carrie Diaries, was the assistant costume designer for Sex and the City. Daman is known for his bold statement outfits for Carrie from The Carrie Diaries and his elegant style for the cast of Gossip Girl.  He picks out clothes with mixed matching prints, shapes, and colors for Carrie. Authentic 20’s style dresses have come to the 21st century in the show Gossip Girl. The 20s were filled with flappers, dancing shoes, feathers, lace and headbands.

Brown Tote bag from Target

 Media takes a big role in starting trends because many people look up to celebrities for fashion inspiration.  Today, people are taking the best of all the different decades of fashion and making it their own. You can shop at stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Target.  These stores have diverse and fashionable clothes that are based on what is being worn on the runway. For example, you’re inspired by Blake Lively’s fashion choices on Gossip Girl. You could go to one of the stores listed above and buy similar pieces for a low cost. A jacket can be found at H&M for around $30 and dark pair of jeans can be purchased almost anywhere.  If you are looking for the absolute lowes-

Necklace from Target 

 t cost, thrift shops like Goodwill have many clothing items that can be incorporated into this outfit.  The boots that Blake Lively is pictured wearing can be found at Payless for $40 and Target sells the necklace for less than $20. Like many celebrities, Lively goes for high-end brands.  You can find similar versions of the designer bag at department stores like Ross or Marshalls.

Inspiration for fashion comes from everywhere, but media plays the biggest role in influencing people’s styles.  Seeing what your idol is wearing may inspire you to try new fashion statements and be creative.  Lively, like many other celebrities inspire many people. Who inspires your style? 

Winter Olympic update 4

Shauna Hines
Features Editor

Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the first ever American gold medal in ice dance with the highest score ever recorded.

Olympic rings

Steven Holcomb and Steven Langton broke a 62 year non-medal drought by earning bronze in the two-man bobsled. Also a buzz in bobsled news, a Jamaican bobsled team consisting of Marvin Dixon and Winston Watts competed, and although they received support from the crowd, they came in last place.

In hockey news, the U.S. women’s hockey team will be playing Canada in the gold medal match as they have in the past three Olympics. The American team has not beaten the Canadians, but they hope that their luck will change this Olympics.

Watch out for the ladies’ giant slalom, ladies’ 3000 meter short track relay and men’s snowboard cross on NBC tonight starting at 7:00 p.m.