GREENSBORO, Ga. — Five students at Lake Oconee Academy have earned the AP Capstone Diploma.TM A total of three have earned the AP Seminar and Research CertificateTM during the 2021-22 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical for academic success. 

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Dr. Otho Tucker, CEO, Lake Oconee Acadmey. “Our AP CapstoneTM 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.” 

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. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. Over 2,200 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2021-22 school year. Approximately 14,100 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,200 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 empowered 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. 

“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.” 

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Lake Oconee Academy: 

• 5 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are Summer Abramson, Gabrielle Gruszynski, Jackson Millwood, Hailey Heinen, and Hannah Heinen.
  
• 3 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are Remi Baker, London Dominy, and Dawn Zahler.
  Additionally, multiple students earned national recognition for their performance from the College Board while taking part in the AP curriculum at LOA. 

• 10 were awarded the National Rural and Small-Town Award. The award is given for exceptional academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP Exams. They are Andrew Hankinson, Dawn Zahler, Justin Zahler, Keerti Ahluwalia, Kensi Stevens, Lucy-Kate Williams, Miller Lewis, Ridhdhi Sukha, Robert Bosart, and Sydney Pattison. 

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 with their high standards.