SHHS Celebrates AP Capstone Diploma & AP Honors Recipients

Over 2,200 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.

 At Spring Hill High School, three students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma. Two students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-22 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical for academic success.

We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program. 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 2,200 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2021-22 school year. Approximately 14,100 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,200 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. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects. 

Spring Hill High School would like to  congratulate these motivated students who worked hard to earn the AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificate. 

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, three were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. These students are Landan Coe, Vallen Dennis, and Lindsay Hall.

Two students were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. These students are Demi Ferguson and Jace Jones.

Additionally, several other students received honors recognition for their performance on AP exams in the spring. Of these honors, 14 students were awarded AP Scholar recognition. Four students were awarded AP Scholars with Honor, and four students were recognized as AP Scholars with Distinction.

The students receiving these recognitions are as follows:

AP Scholars

Nickolas Bodenheimer 

Carson Coleman

Vallen Dennis

Christian Jeter

Jace Jones

Lillian Morris

Cole Secord

Samuel Shankles

Emma Shelton

Camryn Stacey

Ashton Thomas

Luisa Trujillo Soto

Kolton Winchester

Haleigh Yoder



AP Scholar with Honor

Luke Diggins

Favour Otujor

Benjamin Puckett

Gersain Saenz


AP Scholar with Distinction

Landan Coe

Lindsay Hall

Erin Hunnicutt

Micah Socoteanu


Additionally, this year one of our students was selected as a College Board National Recognition Program awardee. Luisa Trujillo Soto has been awarded the National Hispanic Award.

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.