Class of 1970

Donny Cobb is a graduate of the Class of 1970, the last graduating class of Apex Consolidated High School. Cobb was a member of the track team (shot put), but he is most noted for his performance as a basketball player. During his senior year, Donny averaged 25 points per game and broke the previous school record for the most points scored during a single game by scoring 42 points. Donnie was a leader and was selected as co-captain of the basketball team, a title he shared with Marvin Howard. Other varsity basketball accomplishments include: All Conference/All-Tournament Wake-Johnston County, ACHS Team Most Valuable Player.

After this rewarding high school experience, Donny continued his education by attending Holding Tech Community College (now Wake Tech Community College) and studied HVAC. From there, Donny began a very successful 47-year career at Newcomb and Company. While at Newcomb, Donny became the first African American supervisor and manager. Donny also traveled the country to further develop his skilled trade and to also use his knowledge of the field to help others through his instruction. 

Throughout the years, Donny has remained family oriented. He has made it his purpose to not only teach his family about hard work, but also to demonstrate it. Donny becomes the second member of his family to enter the Apex High/Apex Consolidated Hall of Fame as his sister, Lisa Cobb Leslie, was inducted in 2016. His family not only includes his immediate family, but also his church family. Donnie has remained active in his church, St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church, where he has served on the Deacon Board for over 25 years.

Since retiring in 2018, Donny has enjoyed spending time focusing on his family and his grandchildren. Through the lessons instilled in him through his upbringing from the faculty at Apex Consolidated High School, Donnie gleaned so much that contributed to his success in life. In reflecting on everyone who sowed knowledge, experience and wisdom into his life, Donny will always cherish this and is forever thankful.