September 20, 2023 – Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is proud to recognize eight students from the 2022-23 school year who succeeded in earning their AP Capstone Diplomas. 

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, a student has to receive a score of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional advanced placement exams. The program saw over 100,000 students participate last year across over 2,500 schools worldwide, but only about 15,800 went on to receive their diploma. Completion of the program is a momentous academic achievement that colleges and universities can see as a marker of these students’ commitment to excellence.

“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.”

AP Seminar and AP Research assessments build beyond traditional advanced placement courses by offering students the opportunity to demonstrate skill mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. These programs are interdisciplinary and encourage students to think more deeply about fields of study that interest them. The path to earning an AP Capstone Diploma not only promotes critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills that these students need to succeed in their projects, but also ignites a new passion in them for learning and discovery. 

“It is remarkable to witness students – and even educators – rediscover their passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” said Bianca Peart, the global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “The constant fascination stems from the array of subjects students explore, all while cultivating essential skills – as if witnessing the creation of a masterpiece.”  

The following WS/FCS students earned AP Capstone Diplomas in 2022-23:

• Caleb M. Barbour, Atkins High School
• William R. Downs, Atkins High School
• Jessica T. Hackenbruch, Atkins High School
• Andy Hamilton, Atkins High School
• Calvin A. Sherman, Atkins High School
• Ryan C. Munley, Mount Tabor High School
• Mack L. Dishmon, Reynolds High School
• Camden H. Adams, West Forsyth High School

Congratulations to all of our new AP Capstone Diploma awardees!