Apex Celebrates Community Champions and Volunteers at Town Council Meeting
A solid reminder that behind the policies and planning are people—volunteers, athletes, students, and leaders—who make the town thrive.
Apex, NC, Mar. 26, 2025 — The Apex Town Council meeting on March 25 was more than just a routine session—it was a celebration of service, achievement, and community spirit. A packed house of residents, students, and dignitaries gathered at Town Hall as Mayor Jacques Gilbert and the Town Council honored local heroes through heartfelt presentations and proclamations.
Apex Rotarian Day Proclaimed
In a nod to decades of service, Mayor Gilbert officially proclaimed March 25, 2025, as Apex Rotarian Day, recognizing the contributions of the Apex Rotary Club. Founded in 1979, the club has embodied the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," donating more than $50,000 annually and contributing over 1,000 volunteer hours yearly to the community.
Council Member Terry Mahaffey presented the proclamation and reflected on the club’s legacy of giving, including its role in organizing the town’s beloved Christmas parade. Dozens of Rotarians were present to accept the honor, celebrated with applause and handshakes from the council.
April Declared National Volunteer Month in Apex
Mayor Gilbert also declared April 2025 as National Volunteer Month in Apex, recognizing the more than 2,200 volunteers who collectively dedicated over 55,000 hours of service in 2024. From coaching youth teams to helping at local events, volunteers were lauded for strengthening the bonds that hold the community together.
After receiving the proclamation, a variety of volunteer representatives, including members of the Apex Youth Council and town volunteer coordinator Lisa Roschke, joined the mayor for a group photo.
State Champions Honored
The Council recognized several local high school athletes for their state championship victories.
The Apex High School Cheer Partner Stunt Team was honored for winning the 2025 state title. Assistant Athletic Director Scott Ferguson and Apex High Principal Elaine Hoffman joined the team onstage, followed by a brief celebration led by Coach Taylor Hartley, who proudly showed off the team's championship banner.
Next, Abhay Tharakan, a student-athlete at Apex High, received a standing ovation for winning the state championship in the 100-meter backstroke. Therokon was also named SWAC Swimmer of the Year and placed fourth in the 200 IM. Mayor Gilbert presented Abe with a certificate of recognition, praising his hard work and dedication.
Environmental Advocacy Recognized with Peak Award
Rounding out the evening’s honors was McKenna Hartman, a senior at Apex Friendship High School, who received the prestigious Peak Award for her leadership in environmental sustainability. Hartman developed a school project focused on eco-friendly dog waste bags and successfully worked with the Bella Casa HOA to implement the idea in her neighborhood.
“McKenna didn’t just stop with an idea—she took action,” said Mayor Gilbert. “She’s an inspiration to all of us.”
A Night to Remember
The celebratory tone of the evening was punctuated by laughter, applause, and community pride, with Mayor Gilbert joking about after-parties and noting how full the council chambers were. “We’d love to see this every council meeting,” he said with a smile.
For Apex, the night was a reminder that behind the policies and planning are people—volunteers, athletes, students, and leaders—who make the town thrive.