2022-2023 AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

Over 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

 At St. John Paul II School two students have earned the AP Capstone DiplomaTM.  Congratulations to Liam Powell ‘23 (AP Scholar with distinction) and Nico Traykovski ‘23 (AP Scholar with honor) for their achievements.  Additionally, six students have earned the AP Seminar and Research CertificateTM during the 2022-23 school year; Isabella Bruno, Vincent Castano, Maggie Crofford, Mara Kulik, Jacob Lenau, and Roisin O’Brien. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success.

Additionally, Jesse Affonso, Morga Batchelder, Ella Cheney, Jamie Erikson, Isabella Kostecki, Zachary Lindauer, Paige Loewen, Kira McGoff, Emily McGrail, Marina Morin, Michael Murphy, Molly Pulit, and Rosanna Sullivan were all named AP Scholars.  Sophie Menyhart was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

 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 of their choice. 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 CapstoneTM program. The program has reached a milestone of over 100,000 students participating during the 2022-23 academic year, representing over 2,500 schools worldwide. Approximately 15,800 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,600 students 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 encouraged 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.

 “We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Mona Lisa Valentino, Assistant Head of School Grades 9-12. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers showed extraordinary commitment. The students’ achievements will serve them well after high school.” 

 The College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) 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.