Incline High School Celebrates Its 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.

Incline Village, NV – At Incline High School, three students from the class of 2023 have earned the AP Capstone DiplomaTM, and two students from the class of 2024 have already qualified to receive the AP Capstone Diploma.  Additionally, eight students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate^TM during the 2022-23 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success. 

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Principal Cahill. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers displayed exceptional dedication to this impactful, multi-academic-year program where they got to explore their passions through scholarly research. 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 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 Capstone^TM 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 APsubject 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. 

“It is remarkable to witness students—and even educators—rediscover their passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” shared 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.”  

“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.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Incline High School:

• 3 graduates from the class of 2023 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams, and 2 seniors in class of 2024 have qualified. Class of 2023: Ivy Batmale, Shannon Hugar, and Josue Salas.  Class of 2024: Sarah Moore and Jesse Santina.

• 10 students were recognized as AP Scholars with Distinction. This honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Scholars with Distinction: Paloma Akiwenzie, Alexander Beaulac, Quinn Cafferata-Jenkins, Abbygail Duckworth, Shannon Hugar, William Jones, Adelina LaForge, Sarah Moore, Jesse Santina, and Annie Stembridge. 

• 6 students were recognized as AP Scholars with Honor.  This is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Scholars with Honor: Luciano Casini, Sequoia Denton, Catherine Kerrigan, Parker Mirzayan, Nicholas Suter, and Katherine Wechsler. 

• 22 students were recognized as AP Scholars.  This designation is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. AP Scholars: William Arrison, Ivy Batmale, Emily Brubaker, Hoswaldo Cabrera, Anna Cecchi, Gianna Damato, Liam Ellis, Molly Ellis, Anthony Eppolito, Ginna Eppolito, Auri Fernandez, Tate Gitchell, Lainey Lowden, Alexander Macdonald, Preston Nilles, Kira Noble, Elanor Ogden, Josue Salas, Elissa Sano, Samantha Stephens, Rebeka Sussman, and Kyler Thompson. 

• 8 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research: Emily Brubaker, Auri Fernandez, Kimberly Lara, Lainey Lowden, Parker Mirzayan, Kira Noble, Samantha Stephens, and Kyler Thompson. 

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. 

Incline High School is an AP Capstone school that is constantly looking to offer a wide range of AP courses. Current offerings are as follows: AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Environmental Science, AP Government, AP US History, AP Human Geography, AP Literature, AP Eng. Language, AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP 2 D Art, AP 3 D Art, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C – Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism.