WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) has announced that six students have earned the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma™ and four others have been awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2023-24 school year. These accolades highlight the district’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, research, and presentation skills necessary for students’ future academic and professional endeavors.
The AP Capstone program, established by the College Board, is a unique diploma program that empowers students to master skills essential for success in higher education and beyond. By engaging in this rigorous program, students develop capabilities in research, collaboration, and effective communication, all of which are critical in today’s competitive world.
Dr. Stephen Brown, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Equity, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “Next-level commitment deserves next-level recognition. The Capstone program represents a body of work grounded in growth and grit. These students are in exclusive company, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.”
To attain the AP Capstone Diploma, students must achieve scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams of their choosing. The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is awarded to those who score 3 or above in AP Seminar and AP Research. This year, over 100,000 students worldwide participated in the AP Capstone program, with approximately 21,000 earning the diploma and 11,100 receiving the certificate.
The WCASD students distinguished with the AP Capstone Diploma are:
- Cecilia Evans, East High School
- Leah Fu, East High School
- Trisha Prasanne, Henderson High School
- Marcell Goedecke, Rustin High School
- Vidhyuth Sriram, Rustin High School
- Corinne Weber, Rustin High School
Additionally, the students awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate include:
- Ryan Schumann, Henderson High School
- Danielle Cook, Rustin High School
- Sara Kouibaa, Rustin High School
- Caroline Rendell, Rustin High School
Ian Kerr, Supervisor of Elementary Mathematics & Science, Secondary Business and Marketing, and Computer Science, noted the significant growth of the AP Capstone program within the district, saying, “Our teachers have made intentional efforts to expand our AP Capstone program and reach more students. The students recognized here have helped pave the way for this expanded growth.”
Unlike traditional AP exams, the AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based, requiring students to demonstrate their mastery through group projects, presentations, and essays over the academic year. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore subjects of personal interest, while simultaneously enhancing their critical thinking and time management skills.
Bianca Peart, the global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program, highlighted the program’s impact, sharing, “We have been witnessing students’ renewed passion for learning through the AP Capstone program. Together with the guidance of talented educators, students are building essential college and career readiness skills.”
These achievements highlight the value of the AP Capstone program in preparing students for higher education and beyond, equipping them with the foundational skills required for lifelong success. With such a strong emphasis on inquiry and articulation, WCASD students are well-positioned to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers.
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