Class of 2022 Graduates Earn AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar & Research Certificate

Mercy McAuley High School congratulates the following members of the Class of 2022 who were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-22 school year:

• Taylor Bays, Christina Chu, and Rebecca Kelhoffer were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams.
• Jackie Nichols and Ellye Steinberg were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.

Taylor Bays and Jackie Nichols are currently attending The Ohio State University. Christina Chu, Rebecca Kelhoffer, and Ellye Steinberg are currently attending the University of Cincinnati.

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 Connie Kampschmidt, Principal, Mercy McAuley High School. “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.”

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.”

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.