Local teens shine academically
Information provided by Douglas County School District
High schools throughout the Douglas County School District (DCSD) offer a varying assortment of Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a multitude of subjects. Students were able to earn either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. The Castle Pines community is home to 10 of the total 26 DCSD scholars recognized, all exceeding expectations in the AP program during the 2020-2021 school year.
“We are thrilled to honor the achievements of our DCSD students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said DCSD Superintendent Corey Wise. “Our AP students and teachers strive every day for greatness. The AP college readiness program serves 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. More than 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2020-2021 school year.
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 and they are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
“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.”
The Castle Pines community celebrates these scholars:
AP Seminar and Research Certificate
Heidi Brent (Rock Canyon High School)
Keyla Gholipoursani (Castle View High School)
William Richards (Rock Canyon High School)
AP Capstone Diploma
Blake Burnham (Rock Canyon High School)
Julia Drobish (Rock Canyon High School)
Isabella Giudicelli Sims (Rock Canyon High School)
Karlee Gotaas (Rock Canyon High School)
Maya Ratner (Rock Canyon High School)
Amiya Sharma (Rock Canyon High School)
