CCSD : CCSD Celebrates First AP Capstone Program Graduates

Press release from Cherokee County School District:

Monday, September 27, 2021

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its first class of AP Capstone program graduates!

Etowah High School has received official word that 16 Class of 2021 seniors who participated in the recently adopted AP Capstone program earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and one student earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. AP Capstone is a two-year project-based learning program designed to help students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success. The elite program, which is offered in fewer than 100 high schools, was developed by The College Board in partnership with colleges and universities.

“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 both their academic and professional careers.”

To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must score a 3 or higher on their research work for AP Seminar and AP Research courses, and earn scores of 3 or higher on four AP course exams. To earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must score a 3 or higher on their research work for AP Seminar and AP Research courses. Last school year, only 11,900 students nationwide earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 7,700 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

The Etowah HS Class of 2021 graduates who earned the AP Capstone Diploma are (their research projects also are noted):

Ansley Melnick, who studied “Can environmental education via a PSA cause change in climate consciousness and meat consumption?” earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

"We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” Principal Robert Horn said. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers showed extraordinary commitment while facing historic challenges. This is a meaningful college readiness program that will serve our students well after high school.”

Sequoyah High School students will be eligible to earn the AP Capstone Diploma beginning this school year, and River Ridge High School students will be eligible to earn this recognition beginning in the 2022-23 school year.

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This press release was produced by Cherokee County School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.