Class of 1979

Dr. Peter J. Falter graduated from Apex High School in 1979 and was Apex High School’s first state champion in an individual sport, winning first place in the 148 lb. weight class in the 1979 state wrestling championship tournament.  Peter was a leader on the wrestling team throughout his years at Apex High School, serving as team captain from 1977-1979. His individual awards included Triangle 3A conference championships in 1977, ’78 and ’79, conference MVP in 1978 and ’79, and team MVP in 1977, ’78 and ’79. According to teammates, Peter was a brilliant tactician on the mat, seemingly knowing counters to every move his opponents would attempt on him. “Watching Peter wrestle was like watching a chess match.  He was a true student of his sport.”

During his years at Apex High School, Peter was known for academics, athletics and leadership.  He was a three-year letter winner on the varsity football team and was a member and officer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and German club. He was also an active community servant in Boy Scouts, 4-H and church.   He helped form a local 4-H club and won several local and state awards in this organization. Peter reached the rank of Eagle Scout and Brotherhood in Order of the Arrow while holding a series of troop leadership positions. As an adult, he served 17 years in leadership roles including cubmaster, assistant scoutmaster, and unit commissioner.

Peter attended NC State University where he wrestled for one year before focusing on his engineering studies and earning bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering. He was active in student groups, was part of the first programs to expand onto the Centennial campus, and helped found the American Society for Precision Engineering.  Peter has continued his mission of service in the defense industry and is currently a chief engineer at Lockheed Martin in Orlando. He and his wife, Christine Falter (AHS class of 1981) raised four children and have one grandson. 

Peter Falter’s accomplishments at Apex High School are historic accomplishments for our school. Furthermore, his academic and extracurricular excellence while at Apex were truly remarkable. Peter Falter has continued to be an outstanding representative for Apex with his academic, career, and civic accomplishments.