At Washington High School, two students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma and seven students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2022-23 school year.
The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success.
Rachel Derner and Madeline Grimes, both 2023 WHS graduates, received the coveted AP Capstone Diploma.
Receiving the AP Seminar and Research Certificate were 2023 graduates Kayla Brinkmann, Emma George and Lily Schmitt, and current seniors (Class of 2024) Ashley Frick, Jillian Huellinghoff, Emelia (Mia) Narup and Jacob Pentz.
Of the 179 students who took an AP exam in May of 2023, 44 received a Scholar Award.
Click here for the list of award winners.
“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Washington High School Principal Dr. Eric Turner. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers displayed exceptional dedication to this impactful, multi-academic-year program where they got to explore their passions through scholarly research. This is a meaningful college readiness program that will serve our students well after high school.”
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 of their choice. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. The program has reached a milestone of over 100,000 students participating during the 2022-23 academic year, representing over 2,500 schools worldwide.
Approximately 15,800 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,600 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest.
Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
“It is remarkable to witness students—and even educators—rediscover their passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” said Bianca Peart, the global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “The constant fascination stems from the array of subjects students explore, all while cultivating essential skills—as if witnessing the creation of a masterpiece.”
“I’m thrilled to congratulate these motivated students, who worked hard to earn the AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificate,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program. “These students have enhanced the foundation for their future academic and professional careers by honing their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations on topics they’re passionate about.”
The College Board’s 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 with their high standards.
AP Seminar and Research Certificate Recipients
Pictured are Washington High School seniors who received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate as part of the AP Capstone Program for the 2022-23 school year. From left are Jillian Huellinghoff, Ashley Frick, Emelia (Mia) Narup and Jacob Pentz.