Advanced Placement program recognizes LRHS grads

Jillian McManis- Mustangs Ahead

(Lakewood Ranch, FL) - Forty-six Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements through the College Board’s prestigious Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma program during the 2024-2025 school year.

Of those, 40 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, which is awarded to students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as four additional AP exams of their choice.

An additional six students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, granted to those who score a 3 or higher on both courses.

The AP Capstone program, offered in over 3,500 schools worldwide, helps students develop skills in critical thinking, research, collaboration and presentation, which are all vital for college and career success.

More than 160,000 students participated globally this year, with roughly 27,650 earning the Capstone Diploma.

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A statement issued by LRHS said, “We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program.

“With the help of dedicated teachers, our AP Capstone students explored their passions through scholarly research in an impactful, multi-year program. This meaningful college readiness program will serve our students well after high school.”

Earning the AP Seminar and Research Certificate were Madelyn Boyd, Alexa Jaime, Caua Magno De Almeida, Christian Martel, Aubrey Mau and Tyler McCoy.

According to the College Board, the AP Capstone program “reignites curiosity in the classroom” by encouraging students to design projects around their own interests and apply real-world research skills.

Dr Kellee Kirkpatrick, a senior research fellow at Texas A&M University, noted that AP Capstone students are “tackling large-scale projects with confidence” and gaining experience that sets them apart from their college peers.

The School District of Manatee County, which serves nearly 53,000 students across southwest Florida, praised LRHS’s continued excellence.

The district emphasized its mission to educate and develop all students today for their success tomorrow, highlighting programs like AP Capstone as essential steps toward that goal.

“Their heard work has helped them build foundational skills in projects management, presentation, collaboration, and research that will contribute to their success in college and their professional careers,” said Trevor Packer, a representative of the AP program.