Floyd County Schools had 17 students earn the AP Capstone DiplomaTM. Additionally, 41 students have earned the AP Seminar and Research CertificateTM 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 are so proud to recognize the achievements of our students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said McCall Govingon, Director of Advanced Programs and Assessment. “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 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. To review our full release on all of our FCS students who received AP awards, please visit here. 

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. 

“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 FCS students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program:

  • 17 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher (a Floyd County School average of 3.59) in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are:
    • Matthew C. Campbell
    • Emalee G. Collins
    • Catherine M. Gilbert
    • Marissa J. Kimple 
    • Aidan Mowery 
    • Kaylee B. Nichols
    • Grayson D. Perry
    • Walker J. Gallman
    • Emma I. Galysh
    • Rachel L. Johnson 
    • Courtney C. Orr
    • Jack W. Robinson 
    • Allie G. Adams
    • Nolan J. Ely
    • Ryan J. Ely
    • Milo Z. Hardy
  • 41 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Previous release can be found here
  • 32 were graduating seniors in the class of 2023. 

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

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.