This summer's hottest concerts

Sarah Kebea
Editor-in-Chief 

The school year is coming to a close, which means summer concerts are right around the corner.  Prepare yourselves, good music is coming your way. 

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.

Seniors pick top trends

Apex Legacy staff

Check out this year’s top trends, according to the class of 2015:

http://prezi.com/qh8g4ew_jrir/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Carolina Railhawks owner and 13 other FIFA officials indicted for bribery

Michael Lyday
Features Editor 

Nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives, including Carolina Railhawks owner Aaron Davidson, were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in a case battling the rampant corruption in the organization early this morning. 

Instances of bribery totaling over $100 million by officials in FIFA aroused the suspicion of the Department of Justice and the government of Switzerland, both of which are probing the organization in search of further offenses. Other sources of controversy and claims of corruption include the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a nation who has implemented forced labor by migrant workers in its preparations, and the rampant mismanagement of funds.

The 2018 and 2022 World Cups will not have their locations changed. The charges come just two weeks before FIFA’s presidential election. Current FIFA president Sepp Blatter was not indicted in this scandal, but will have to face those calling for a clean-up of the organization, a possible source of opposition in the upcoming election. 

AOIT website receives upgrade from Webmaster

Nicholas Chupka
News Editor

As the 2014-2015 school year comes to a close, AOIT students have finalized and turned in their required 140-hour internships. An AOIT statement sent to Apex Legacy explains, “This spring, [Webmaster] Matt Cozzalino has done a major overhaul on the AHS site, and added a new Director’s Notes blog as a way for Director John Evans to communicate with students and teachers.” In the statement, Cozzolino is quoted as saying, “The Director’s Notes are especially helpful because Mr. Evans can post any communiqués he plans to send to students and parents on the blog.”

Matt Cozzalino spoke about the changes he made to the Apex AOIT website, saying, “[Wordpress] kind of acts like a repository for any announcements sent out to parents of students. It’s really for people who are already in AOIT and just want reminders and things like that.”

To find the revamped website click the “AOIT” link in the toolbar on the Apex High School website or visit: https://aoitnotes.wordpress.com/

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. 

Top 25 dorm room essentials

Maya Horton and Katie Mazanec
Staff Writers

Seniors, there are only a couple of weeks left until many of you are an official college student! Listed below are dorm room essentials:

1. Bedding: The basis of the dorm room color scheme starts with the bedding. The color of the bedding can be matched to rug, organizational bins, and other dorm decorations.
   
2. Bathroom Towels: Bathroom towels need to withstand a week without washing; meaning the quality is very important.
3. Organization Boxes: Since all dorm rooms are the size of nice master suite closet, it is necessary to have extra boxes to store clothes and other materials.  
4. Cleaning Supplies: Keeping the dorm room clean is important, some colleges have a floor monitor who makes sure the rooms are in decent shape. Also, students in suites are responsible for taking care of their own bathroom.  
5. Hygiene Care: Don’t forget the basic necessities such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo/conditioner, hair products, hair dryer/straightener, shaving kit, lotion, and other hygiene items.

North Carolina health experts call for increased anti-tobacco funding

Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

The use of electronic cigarettes has increased drastically in the past few years, and some North Carolina health advocates are blaming this rise on a lack of tobacco prevention funding.  The state’s funding for anti-tobacco programs was severely cut in 2012.  The cigarette awareness group Tobacco Reality Unfiltered, for example, saw its funding fall from $17.3 million to $2.7 million.  When the cuts were made, teen-smoking was down, but smoking rates started to rise after the cuts.  Plus, the popularity of e-cigarettes has shot-up, especially for teenagers.  In fact, the use of e-cigarettes by middle and high school students tripled from 2013 to 2014, with high school use going from 4.5% to 13.4%.

Raleigh voted best city to find work

Jessica Stiehm
Staff Writer

North Carolina has a rich history including pirates, first airplane flights, and the birthplace of Clay Aiken. Now North Carolina has something new to add to their repertoire. North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh, was recently awarded the title of Best City for Jobs and Business in the Nation by Glassdoor. Glassdoor, a website that allows employees and former employees to anonymously review their companies and its management, is rather popular with job seekers. The site has three branches currently and is still expanding worldwide. On their American blog post for 25 Best Cities For Jobs, Raleigh was at the top. Forbes also listed Raleigh as the #1 Place in the Nation for Business and Careers.

Seniors attending out of state colleges 2015

Zane Muzzillo
Staff Writer

Seniors attending in-state colleges 2015

Zane Muzzillo
Staff Writer

And the winners are...

Apex Legacy Staff

Check out the winners of Apex Legacy’s 2015 senior superlatives:

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/

Peak Players production of Les Miserables wins Best Musical

Alexandria Sands
Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Apex Peak Players production of Les Miserables took home the trophy for 2015 Best Musical at the fifth annual Triangle Rising Star Live Showcase and Award show at the DPAC on Tuesday night. Seniors, Will Stapleton who played Jean Valjean, Joshua Menzies who played Javert, and David Flowers who played Marius, were all finalists in the Best Actor category.

To be nominated, musicals in the Triangle area must fill out an application. Judges from DPAC, Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Little Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory Theater, Durham Arts Council and WTVD ABC 11 attend the performances of each show in order to select their regional finalist.

President Obama works to demilitarize police force

Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

President Barack Obama has banned the federal government from equipping police departments with certain military-grade equipment.  This ban comes after a year of controversy over the militarization of the police forces in cities like Ferguson and Baltimore.   Grenade launchers and armored vehicles will no longer be provided, while riot gear and certain explosives will be more closely regulated.  Many U.S. citizens have expressed concern over what they view as the excessive use of military weaponry by police officers, especially in black communities.

Obama has recently been making other efforts to increase a feeling of community and transparency in law enforcement.  He is planning to announce $163 million in grants in order to give police departments an incentive to be more transparent.  The Justice Department announced a $20 million grant program earlier this month that will increase body camera use by police officers. Obama travelled to Camden, New Jersey this Monday to praise the city’s achievements in improving the relationship between its police force and community.  While in the city, he remarked on his decision to cut back on police militarization, saying, "We've seen how militarized gear can sometimes give people the feeling like there's an occupying force as opposed to a force that's part of the community.”

Lancet Psychiatry conducts bullying study with surprising results

Kenison Garratt
Staff Writer

The Lancet Psychiatry has launched the first study documenting the effects of maltreatment by adults and peer bullying in childhood and mental health consequences, and the results have been rather surprising. Their results revealed being bullied in childhood has long-term effects on the mental health of young adults. The study, led by Professor Dieter Wolke from the University of Warwick, compared young adults in the United States and the United Kingdom who were maltreated and bullied in childhood. The researchers defined maltreatment as, “any physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, or negligent treatment resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity.”

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. 

NFL punishes Brady, Patriots for Deflategate

Cameron Goz
Staff Writer

Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended four games without pay and the Patriots have been fined $1 million and will lose a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth-round pick in 2017 in relation to the “Deflategate” case. Attorney Ted Wells was hired by the NFL to investigate the case, and the suspension comes just a week after Well’s report was released. The report found that "it is more probable than not" that Brady was "at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities" of locker room attendant Jim McNally and equipment assistant John Jastremski. Both attendants have been suspended without pay by the Patriots, and if they were to be reinstated, the two would be prohibited from managing the locker room or overseeing preparation of the game footballs. The 243-page report also stated that Brady, who answered questions over the course of a single day, refused to turn over his phone for printouts to be made of his e-mails and texts. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell felt the punishment matched the crime in this case, stating, "We relied on the critical importance of protecting the integrity of the game and the thoroughness and independence of the Wells report." 

NHS inductees announced, ceremony to take place Thursday

Jessica Stiehm
Staff Writer

Over 200 students at Apex High School are being inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Selection into the National Honor Society is based on a student’s excellence in areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. In order to obtain admission into NHS, students must be an upperclassman, have a GPA of 3.60 or higher and complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service by the end of the school year. Apex High School’s chapter of NHS has monthly meetings to assure that members are completing their specific requirements. Tori McGee, Apex’s NHS Advisor, will enroll new members into a Blackboard course which will post weekly announcements.

American Idol comes to an end after 13 years

Aaron Koch
Staff Writer

American Idol is finally coming to an end. Fox executives and American Idol producers collectively came to the decision to cancel the show after season 15. The final season will start January 2016 with the long time host Ryan Seacrest and judges: Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. American Idol has been a major runner in Fox’s TV lineup since 2002 with the original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Other famous judges have fallen in and out of the show like Nicki Minaj and Steven Tyler along with dozens of stars.

Chemistry experiment causes evacuation

Dylan Tastet
Staff Writer

Students were evacuated from Apex High School this morning after a fire broke out in the B-building science lab. AP Chemistry class was in session at the time.

The fire broke out after a student’s experimental apparatus failed, exposing a flammable chemical to a hot surface. The fire, which ignited a nearby electrical outlet and burned surrounding equipment, was quickly extinguished by the supervising teacher. The experiment that ignited was designed to produce a considerable amount of smoke, and, despite the students’ best efforts to dissipate it, it still triggered the fire alarm.

One student suffered minor burns and was treated for his injuries on campus.

Apex wins Wake County’s first stunt title

Jo Gatlin
Staff Writer

The Apex High School stunt team brought home the plaque after their victory over Millbrook High School. Apex made it to the finals by defeating Sanderson High School 15-11 in the semifinals. Millbrook defeated Panther Creek High School 17-10, qualifying them for the final game against Apex.

In the final game, Apex started with a small lead over Millbrook, but then quickly fell behind in the second and third quarter. On the final play of fourth quarter, Apex scored three points bringing them to victory. With a final score of 13-12, Apex won the very first Wake County Stunt title.

Cold War Kids to play free concert at Red Hat Amphitheater

Michael Lyday
Features Editor

Ready for a superb concert experience that won’t break your budget? Look no further than this year’s edition of Red Hat Amphitheater’s annual free concert series featuring Cold War Kids, the band behind the hit song “Hang Me Out to Dry”. Tickets which normally cost up to $50 each are not required for this show. Opening for Cold War Kids are local bands Wild Fur and Jack the Radio. The venue opens its doors at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Be sure to show up early to get a good spot as the line fills up quickly. 

Rickie Fowler wins The Players Championship

Matt Sholtis
Sports Editor

In one of the most exciting finishes you’ll ever see in golf, Rickie Fowler came away with the crystal trophy after completing the best finish in Players Championship history. 

Going into the final round at TPC Sawgrass Rickie Fowler was -7 and only three off the lead, but he was not in one of the final groups in a very crowded top of the leaderboard. After making bogey on his first hole and Sergio Garcia extending the lead, Fowler was practically out of contention and even his mom and sister left the tournament early to catch a flight to California. By the time Fowler reached the par three 13^th hole he was -6 and six shots behind Garcia, but then he caught fire. He birdied the 13^th and the 15^th to get to -8, three shots back with three holes to play and perhaps the toughest three holes stretch on the entire golf course, but Rickie Fowler made them look easy. Fowler hit an incredible and gutsy second shot on the par five 16^th that barely made it over the water hazard and bounced on to the green and right next to the hole to give him an eagle putt. That shot changed the tournament putting him only one shot behind Garcia and he still had two holes to play. On the iconic 17^th hole, Fowler didn’t back down to the intimidating island green and very tough pin placement. He fired a shot right at the hole, making birdie and earning a share of the lead. Another aspect that made this tournament exciting was the crowds. After Fowler made birdie on 17 the crowd exploded into chants of “Rickie, Rickie, Rickie.” By the time he reached the 18^th, Garcia had dropped a shot so Fowler had the outright lead by one shot. To cap off the historic finish he made birdie on the 18^th to finish -6 in his final six holes, the best finish in that span in tournament history. By this time his mother and sister had gotten word and ditched their flight and came back to the tournament. Fowler finished at -12 with a two shot lead, but the drama was only getting started. 

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.”

Cary man charged with homicide

Sarah Kebea
Editor-in-Chief

A 54 year old Cary man has been charged with Cary’s first homicide of the year.  Dwight Anthony Blount of Cary is currently being held without bond for the homicide of Luciano Mariana Andia, 72. 

Before 7 a.m. on Sunday, Cary police received a call from a shopping center between High House Road and Highway 55.  The witness calling on the phone believed the man, Andia, had been shot, due to the holes through the car window. When officers arrived to the scene, they found Andia dead inside his car. 

On Monday, Howard Cummings, the Wake County District Attorney, said the motive for the homicide appeared to be robbery.  At first the death was not ruled a homicide, until investigators discovered that Andia sustained injuries that caused his death.  Surveillance videos and forensic evidence led authorities to Blount.  This is not the first time Blount has been in custody.  At 19, Blount was found guilty on assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and in 1994 he was convicted of second-degree murder.  His last time in custody was on a breaking and entering charge in 2009, for which he served eight months.

Blount appeared in court yesterday.  His next hearing is scheduled for June 1 at 9 a.m.

State Board of Education cancels North Carolina Final Exams

Maya Horton
Staff Writer

The State Board of Education granted Wake County Public School Systems waiver to eliminate the North Carolina Final Exams in 2015. A waiver was requested by Wake County in early April, asking to withhold the North Carolina Final Exams this year, due to losing too many educational days from weather conditions.  The NCFE will be replaced by teacher made exams.  Due to the waiver, senior exemptions are now back on the table. Exemptions are based on the traditional tally of absences in relation to the grade in the class.  The EOC, EOG and AP tests are unaffected by this decision.  

CTE exams are going to be given on May 27 and May 28 with scheduling that will extend classes into three hour long periods with a single lunch.  A complete test schedule can be found on the Apex High School website detailing times.

Liquid biopsies provide noninvasive care

Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

Liquid biopsies, a new type of blood test, could potentially provide a new noninvasive form of cancer care.  The biopsies look for and capture cancer cells found in the blood.  They utilize gene profiling to determine what mutations cause the cancer.  These biopsies are done as opposed to actually removing tissue from the tumor, and could potentially provide a more accurate way of discovering which cancer medicines will be most effective for an individual.  This could save health care costs by quickly finding the right drugs to use for treatment instead of having to experiment with different medicines. 

Celebrity comprehension tested by new Apex poll

Cameron Goz and Henry McKeand
Staff Writers

Apex High students and teachers tested their star knowledge recently, being polled to see if they can recognize various celebrities, from movie stars like Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie to musicians who rock the mic like Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar, and at least some of the student body displayed their mastery in face recognition.  The results, taken from a poll of 85 students, may surprise you:

Joe Kilby resigns as Apex head football coach

Matt Sholtis
Sports Editor

After three years as the head football coach at Apex High School, Coach Joe Kilby announced his resignation on Friday. “There was no one reason why I resigned from this position, a lot went into the decision and after everything was weighed this was the best decision for my family and me.” Kilby took over as head football coach in 2012 when he replaced long time coach Bob Wolfe. Although Kilby’s record with the Cougars was 9-23, he took the team to their first playoff appearance since 2008 this past season.

Ask Apex: Favorite Marvel characters

Jo Gatlin & Kenison Garratt
Staff Writers

Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, which was released May 1, has made more than $700 million at the Global Box Office. It is believed this sequel will soon outpace the original Avengers. Marvel’s latest film has captured the attention of many. People of all ages are adding it to their bucket list of movies to watch. While the five members of the Avengers are currently in the spotlight, there are still plenty of other heroes, and villains, who are preferred. The results of a recently conducted poll of Apex High students shows the favorite Marvel characters of the student body.

Devastating earthquake strikes Nepal and surrounding areas

Aaron Koch
Staff Writer

An earthquake struck Nepal and neighboring nations on April 25 at approximately 11:56 NST (Nepal Standard Time) taking 7,365 lives and injuring more than twice that. It leveled villages and left thousands homeless; but with a magnitude of 8.1 it impacted more than just Nepal, triggering several avalanches along the Himalayas. One avalanche occurred on Mount Everest killing at least 19 people. Another avalanche crumbled across the Langtang valley resulting in over 250 reported missing. The earthquake also killed dozens in neighboring countries including 78 people in India, 25 in China, and 4 in Bangladesh. Throughout Nepal aftershocks frightened victims with 15 to 20 minute intervals with one of the aftershocks reaching a magnitude of 6.7 the day after the earthquake. 

Baltimore officers charged following death of Freddie Gray

Jessica Stiehm
Staff Writer

It’s been nearly a month since Freddie Gray passed, and the six officers involved have finally been charged with murder or manslaughter. The news brought a sense of justice to the roused citizens of Baltimore, many of whom have been protesting, and rioting, since his death.

Here’s what’s happened to date:

On April 12, Freddie Gray, a 25 year old black male, was arrested after exchanging eye contact with the police and running from them. According to the police report, he was apprehended nonviolently despite reports from bystanders. Once arrested, he was confined to a police van but not seat belted into the vehicle. The events that transpired next are unclear.

Prom proves to be a true Polynesian paradise

Alexandria Sands
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Students were blown away by the effort put forth at this year’s prom. The “Polynesian paradise” took place at the Embassy Suites in Cary on Saturday night.

“My favorite part of prom was by far the people and the scenery. Those things combined really made the night feel alive,” said senior Jake Wnuk. The prom committee went as far as to bring a van into the venue and placed pineapples on every table, which attendees enjoyed taking home after prom.

Food Lion discontinues use of live lions in commercials

Nicholas Chupka
News Editor

In a statement published on their website, animal rights activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for a protest of Food Lion’s usage of live lions during the filming of their commercials. Though the American Humane Association (AHA) has made a commitment to monitor the treatment of animals before, during, and after the filming process, PETA remarks that the monitoring is incomprehensive and irresponsible claiming, “The Hollywood Reporter's investigation into the AHA revealed what PETA has been helping to bring to light for years—that the AHA's monitoring of film and television productions is woefully inadequate. As a result, animals have often been put in dangerous situations, injured, or even killed.”

2015 NFL Draft

Matt Sholtis
Sports Editor

In America’s most popular sport, the NFL Draft is the biggest event that happens in the sports offseason. The draft concluded this past weekend in Chicago. The event has taken place in New York City for the past 51 years.

There was very little drama in the first round of this year’s draft, especially at the top. Many had projected Florida State QB Jameis Winston to go #1 overall, and he did to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The most uncertainty was with the #2 overall pick. Tennessee held the pick, but they were not completely sold on drafting Oregon QB Marcus Mariota so they considered trading the pick. Many teams tried to trade up for the rights to draft the Heisman trophy winner, including Chip Kelly and the Eagles. Many believed that if Chip Kelly was reunited with Mariota that their offense would be unstoppable. The Browns were also trying to trade up, as the Browns always seem like they need a quarterback. In the end, the Titans decided to keep the pick and drafted Marcus Mariota at #2 overall. DE Dante Fowler Jr. of Florida went next to the Jaguars, WR Amari Cooper from Alabama went to Oakland, and rounding out the top 5 was OT Brandon Scherff from Iowa going to the Redskins. 

Durham faces rise in crime

Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

Violent crime in Durham has increased 22% since this time last year, and Durham police chief Jose Lopez is attributing this rise to rampant gun use in the community.  “I think the cause is because people are using guns to deal with their issues,” said Lopez.  Homicides have increased 67% in the past year and aggravated assaults have increased 28%. However, an April report from the Department of Justice revealed that overall crime was actually down in the city. Still, it also showed that the homicide rate for black males between the ages of 15 and 34 is eight times higher than the national average and that Durham citizens don’t have confidence in the police department. 

Durham’s police department has recently faced a number of controversies, including a number of marches protesting racial bias in the police force.  A rally was held in the city on Friday evening to support Baltimore citizens protesting against the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. 

In 2013, Jesus Huerta shot himself in the head while in the back of a police vehicle, and his death led to cameras being installed in Durham patrol cars.  His suicide further damaged Durham’s law enforcement reputation and showed the need for a change in the city.  The Office of Justice Programs Diagnostic Center recently offered to help make strategic plans that would improve the city, and Lopez is committed to making Durham a safer place, saying that, “We're looking to improve in anything that we're doing. I mean, response times, our expectations. We really push ourselves to the edge on it.”

Poll: Student body put to the presidential test

Cameron Goz and Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

With the 2016 presidential election, many students will have the chance to vote for the first time.  Several politicians have announced their candidacy, and most young voters are going to be focusing on the new candidates.  A poll of 120 students and teachers at Apex High shows how much the student body knows, and doesn’t know, about the people running for president.  

Five pictures of individual candidates were shown for people to identify.  The following charts show the number of respondents who could and couldn’t successfully identify the respective candidates.  

Fight of the century: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

Adam Mancini
Staff Writer

On Saturday, boxing fans will finally get the fight they have all been waiting for. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, easily the two best boxers in the world, will go head to head at 9 p.m. in what many are calling “the fight of the century.” Mayweather is favored to win, but only by a tiny margin. 

For their careers, the American-born Mayweather is 47-0 with 22 knockouts and has won five world titles. Philippines-born Pacquiao is 57-5 with 37 knockouts and has won six world titles. The fight is expected to be the most watched ever, even with viewers needing to pay $100 to watch it on pay-per-view. Mayweather will make about $140-$150 million from the fight, while Pacquiao will receive around $90-$100 million.

Indonesia executes foreigners despite international protest

Kenison Garratt
Staff Writer

Indonesia has formally notified 10 prisoners convicted of drug trafficking that their executions will be carried out as soon as possible. On Saturday, the nine foreigners and one Indonesian man were told their executions by firing squad were to be carried out in Besi prison on Nusakambangan Island. Indonesia has incredibly strict drug laws and often executes smugglers; more than 130 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes. One third of these convicts are foreigners.

When Indonesian President Joko Widodo took office last October, he declared Indonesia to be facing a drug crisis. Indonesia has some of the toughest drug laws in the world. But Jakarta believes their country’s drug problem justifies their harsh punishments; 33 Indonesians die every day as a result of drugs.

The Apex High School Stunt team makes it to playoffs

Johunna Gatlin
Staff Writer

The Apex High School stunt team has had an undefeated season so far with a record of 5-0 beating Panther Creek, Cary, Green Hope, Athens Drive, and Garner. The team will be competing in this year’s playoff games hoping to win the first state title for high school stunt.

Apex senior Madi Yarish shares her excitement about playoffs. “It feels great to make it to playoffs. This was Wake County’s first season having stunt and I’m so proud of how well our team did. We really made a name for Apex stunt and I can’t wait to see how playoffs turn out for us.”

Plausible post prom parties

Natalia Ghan
Staff Writer

If you don’t want your prom night to end at midnight, here are some fun and safe after prom ideas. 

Bonfire - A great way to get to know your friends better is to have a bonfire. Roasting marshmallows, playing guitar, and telling ghost stories with friends who supported you through high school will make for a fun night.
  
Bowling - Bowling is a game that a large group of people can play, is relatively inexpensive, and something most people know how to do. Conveniently, midnight munchies can be overcome by the nearby concession stand.

Annual PeakFest returning to downtown Apex

Maya Horton
Staff Writer

This Saturday taste some food and have fun at the annual PeakFest festival held in historic downtown Apex.  From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on May 2, there will be vendors lining the streets offering food, trinkets, martial arts lessons, bubbles and more.  Balloons, bouncy houses, and local businesses will all be there.  There’s even a section catered to the kids in your family featuring Happy Dan the Magic Man and other entertainers.  The weather is predicted to be in the 70s and fairly sunny, perfect for enjoying a day outside.  Don’t forget the sunscreen.