Boise School District Celebrates Its
AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
Over 2,000 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.
Boise, ID -- 08/24/2021 -- In the Boise School District, 34 students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ and 15 students have earned the Advanced Placement Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2020-21 school year. That's up from 17 Boise District students who received the AP Capstone Diploma & AP Seminar and Research Certificate in 2018. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success.
 
“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Coby Dennis, superintendent, Boise School District. “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.”
 
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. 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 program. Over 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2020-21 school year, when approximately 11,900 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7,700 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 and they are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
 
“Congratulations to the AP Capstone award winners, who conduct, present, and defend academic research on topics they are passionate about,” said Trevor Packer, College Board senior vice president of AP and Instruction. “Their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations will accelerate both their academic and professional careers.”

The 34 students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ and 15 students who have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2020-21 school year are pictured as follows:
Anderson, Caysen
Senior
Capital High
Baclig, Angela
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Bower, Adria
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Bushee, Darcie
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Byrne, James
Senior
Boise High
Coleman, Lucy
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Connally, Challis
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Dean, Thomas
Senior
Boise High
Galinato, Marshal
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Gehrke, Oliva
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Gerber, Corrine
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Gilmore, Zachary
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Hamlin, Jamie
Senior
Boise High
Harris, John
Senior
Capital High
Horner, Emily
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Jozwik, Madeline
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Kershisnik, Grace
Senior
Boise High
LaBonne, Everhett
Senior
Boise High
Leishman, Cody
Senior
Boise High
McLean, Aiden
Senior
Boise High
McMillan, Tyler
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Melvin, Anna
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Mesa, Andrew
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Miller Kindelberger, Esme
Senior
Borah High
Murray, Liam
Senior
Boise High
Planting, Joshua
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Prodzinski, Quinn
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Schaus, Berit
Senior
Boise High
Stewart, Liam
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Tanikella, Alekya
Senior
Capital High
Taylor, Rylee
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Throngard, Dominic
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Turcke, Katharine
Senior
Boise High
Wagner, Sam
2021 Graduate
Timberline High
Wah, Eh K Prew
2021 Graduate
Boise High
Walker, Lydia
2021 Graduate
Capital High
Zuckerman, Jack
Senior
Boise High
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About Advanced Placement Program
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.

About Boise School District 
Boise School District is a high-performing, nationally-recognized, comprehensive public school system focused on preparing students for success in college, career and citizenship.
 
We are a district of approximately 24,000 students and employ 4,300 people, of whom 1,700 are certified staff. In the district, there are 33 elementary schools, 8 junior high schools, and 5 senior high schools. We offer a variety of specialized programs, including Montessori, Dual Language, Classical, International, Harbor, Full-day and Highly Gifted programs at elementary, Full-day Kindergarten, to the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center, Dennis Career & Technical Center, and the state’s preeminent Advanced Placement program at the secondary level.
 
In the Boise School District, you will find:
 
  • commitment to college and career readiness
  • preparation for an increasingly global society, through the development of creativity and thinking skills with an emphasis on integration of technology
  • a safe and secure learning environment
  • caring and compassionate staff committed to providing the best education for each and every child
  • opportunities for meaningful parental involvement
  • dedication to our core values of respect, dignity, honesty, responsibility and teamwork.
 
Discover how Boise School District is Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow at www.boiseschools.org
News Media Contact:

Dan Hollar
Public Affairs Administrator
Boise School District
(208) 854-4064