Eight John Carroll Catholic High School students - Lila Bakir, Isabella Berry, Francesca Brooks, Emilee Coon, Caroline Deichmann, Doug Frederick, Maddie Lanaux, and Georgia Thornton - earned the AP Capstone Diploma. Additionally, two students, Jenna Johnson and Sophia Somaniego, earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2023-2024 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills.  

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said the school’s principal, Ronald Steele. “With the help of our dedicated faculty, Lacy Wise and Mary Frances Spitler, our AP Capstone students explored their passions through scholarly research as part of an impactful, multi-year program. This meaningful college readiness program 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 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. Student participation in the AP Capstone program has been steadily increasing, with over 100,000 students in over 2,500 schools worldwide taking part during the 2023-24 academic year. Approximately 21,000 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 11,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.