Tomball ISD Celebrates AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

TOMBALL – Tomball ISD had 12 students earn the AP Capstone Diploma™ and seven earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2020-21 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success.

“In our initial year of implementation, we proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Dr. Amy Schindewolf, Tomball ISD Chief Academic Officer. “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.”

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 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2020-21 school year, when approximately 11,900 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7,700 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 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.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program in Tomball ISD:

• 12 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. 
  • Allison Dougherty
  • Penelope Jaeger
  • Anabelle Jenson
  • Caroline Klein
  • Anuska Santra
  • Aubany Caton
  • Zachary Daum
  • Michiko Mai Llosa
  • Abigail McCleery
  • Loren Nix
  • Laura Porter
  • Ashley Svendsen

• 7 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. 
  • Avery Bishop
  • Aidan Moon
  • Elaine Morrison
  • Jacob Brown
  • Emma Mellors
  • Kayla Rivera
  • Hannah Vatuna

• 10 were graduating seniors in the class of 2021.
  • Penelope Jaeger
  • Anabelle Jenson
  • Caroline Klein
  • Anuska Santra
  • Aubany Caton
  • Zachary Daum
  • Michiko Mai Llosa
  • Abigail McCleery
  • Loren Nix
  • Ashley Svendsen 

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.
 

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ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 19,000 students at 22 campuses.