Athens Drive High School is home to all kinds of students from many different backgrounds. One of these students is Tob Apple, a junior who is deeply involved with the arts. From visual arts to theatrical plays, Apple loves anything to do with expressing creativity through outlets he enjoys.
An art career is the desired path Apple wants to take in the future, eventually making an impact from it. He sees art as having a bigger importance than most people think it has. Apple has had a big passion for art, more specifically mixed media since he was young. He even used to make his superhero costumes.
“I remember I was at a party when I was 10, dressed as a superhero I made up, and an old woman, who I didn’t know, started talking to me about what I wanted my future to look like,” said Apple. “I didn’t know so I just told her some of my interests. She told me I was very unique and to not let anything happen to my individuality. I took that to heart, and every day I try to make her proud by being authentic to myself.”
Sitting behind a desk is not the way Apple wants to live. Although unsure about the specifics, a career involving anything art-based is his main goal. He has an interest in incorporating art into theater and set design, as well as even going in a filmmaking direction.
“I will take any job where I can make stuff and get my hands dirty,” said Apple.
But Apple is not only an artist, He is also the props master at the theater program at Athens Drive. This position allows for the use of his art ability to create the props used in Athens theater plays as well as learning how to work with people and ideas. Apple has met some of his closest friends through it.
“I love the Athens Drive Theatre program. We have a fantastic theater program that allows students to take responsibility for certain aspects of the show and help to create beautiful performances,” said Apple.
A few productions Apple has worked on are Beehive the Musical, Grimm and Gruesome Grimm, Suessical, and Little Women. The first play he worked on as prop masters was Little Women, deeming it his favorite as he had more creative control, as well as working with a prop crew. But more than anything, even art, Apple’s priorities lay most with the people in his life
“I would say I care most about my family. I am grateful for the people in my life who support me and I consider them family, biological or not,” said Apple.
There are so many students at Athens with such impressive lives or backstories that may go unnoticed. It’s important to remember that each person has an individual story to share.
