Last May, AP testing was a week full of stress and studying for many students at Cass High school. Over the summer, it was a sit and wait party while students were hoping to log in to College Board and see passing scores in early July. On August 17, Bartow County recognized the 24 students here at Cass High School that were awarded as AP Scholars for the 2018 administration of the advanced placement tests.

The Bartow County School System published a press release regarding the AP Scholar awards and gave a breakdown of the achievements. “The College Board recognizes four levels of achievement based on student performance and AP exams. The highest level of academic distinction is National AP Scholar, followed by AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar.”

Four students who graduated last year have received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award: Noah Arnold, Matthew Busse, Grant Morris, and Emily Tracy. These students received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scored a three or higher on five or more of these exams.

Nine students from the 2017-2018 school year have been awarded the title of AP Scholar with Honor: Mia Jackman, Mason Miller, Chloe Molnar, Zachary Thacker, Kenzie Womack, Macy Wright, Reed Barfield, Trinity Byrd, and Alyssa Childers. These students received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scored a three or higher on four or more of these exams.

Five students from the 2017-2018 school year received the title of AP Scholar: Charli-Anne Shane, Ashlie Swanson, Grace Weeks, Rett Moore, and Isabella Mann. These students received scores of three or higher on three or more AP exams.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is overseen by the College Board. This program allows students to take courses in high school while earning college credit at the same time if they pass the AP test at the beginning of May. AP courses were designed to give students the experience of an intro-level college class while still in high school. The Advanced Placement Program is continuously growing with 38 subjects offered through the College Board and 12 subjects offered here at Cass High School.

One might wonder what is the incentive in taking so many AP classes and tests? Mia Jackman, AP Scholar with Honor, answered this question with a smile. “I believe it is very beneficial to get a head start on college and also the coursework load that comes with it. The benefits are worth the challenge and tough times.”

What are the benefits of these awards on may ask? Mrs. Cunningham, the AP coordinator, and lead counselor said, “The benefits are great. These awards make students more competitive during the college admissions process. AP classes, testing, and awards in general help children to meet the rigor requirements for the HOPE Scholarship. Passing AP tests also carry a lot of monetary value because AP credits turn into college hours, and that means saving money.” Mrs. Cunningham also went on to say the following: “Our number of AP scholars rises each year. The fact that twenty-four students were awarded here is quite impressive. Our students work hard and do what they have got to do.”