ABILENE – Seven former Abilene High School students have earned the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma for the 2018-19 school year.
The AP Capstone Diploma program allows students to develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills, both individually and as a team. Students conduct academic research on topics of personal interest in two interdisciplinary courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.
“We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, and we look forward to continuing to provide students with opportunities to explore their passions while building college-level academic and collaboration skills,” AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young said.
To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Over 1,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2018-19 school year when approximately 7,800 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 4,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
“Congratulations to the AP Capstone award winners, who conduct, present, and defend academic research on topics they are passionate about,” said Trevor Packer, College Board senior vice president of AP and Instruction. “Their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations will accelerate not only their academic careers but their professional careers as well.”
Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Abilene High School, the seven who earned the award received it by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. The students who earned the distinction are Miriam Dawson, Abigail Griffith, Lauren Hampton, Lyric Kincade, Steven Liu, Samantha McMillan and Alex Washburn, all of whom graduated last May.
The College Board Advanced Placement Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. A 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align their high standards.
