Congratulations to Lauren Barry ‘22 and Sam Niehl ‘22, who earned the AP Capstone Diploma 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 Lauren and Sam, who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program," said High School Principal Ryan Aiello. "Our AP Capstone students and teachers showed extraordinary commitment to this meaningful college readiness program that will serve our students well after high school."

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn a score of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and four additional AP exams. 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.

Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastered through group projects, presentations and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research courses 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.  

Lauren is a freshman at Santa Clara University and Sam is a freshman at the University of Washington.

Lauren provided the following advice for younger students: "Take advantage of clubs, activities and any opportunities that come your way. Try things that challenge and interest you and surround yourself with people who can help you grow."