Over 3,500 schools worldwide participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and across the globe.
At South Walton High School, 17 students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 11 students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2024-25 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic and career success.
“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Principal Nina Borthwick. “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.”
To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional Advanced Placement® (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.
During the 2024-25 school year, more than 160,000 students in over 3,500 schools worldwide participated in AP Capstone. Of these, approximately 27,650 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 12,430 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary. Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest and are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
“The AP Capstone program reignites curiosity in the classroom,” shared Bianca Peart, global director of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “Students are not only building essential skills for college and career success but they’re also discovering how their voices and ideas can make an impact.”
"Congratulations to all the students who earned AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates during the 2024-25 school year,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program. “Their hard work has helped them build foundational skills in project management, presentation, collaboration, and research that will contribute to their success in college and in their professional careers.”
Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at South Walton High School:
17 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams.
Class of 2025 Graduates AP Capstone Diploma Recipients:
William Burgess
Taylor Dalhover
Bryan Delavara
Arya Desai
Katelyn Diamond
Angela Le
Ava McCallister
Paulo Niva
Chloe Ogden
Robert Wigley
Class of 2026 AP Capstone Diploma Recipients:
Ella Driggers
Ella Feagans
Owen Kurfirst
Sophia Mijatovic
Clementine Plummer
Holland Prinz
Graham Wilde
11 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
Class of 2025 Graduates AP Seminar and Research Certificate Recipients:
Stephanie Aulestia
Lauren Daily
Alys Harp
Audrey McAlexander
Nola Pleat
Grace Pline
Savannah Smith
Class of 2026 AP Seminar and Research Certificate Recipients:
Luna de Laat
Kamryn Garcia
Joseph Gilmore
Harper Moody
The College Board AP Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, 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.
In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone courses to help students build and master skills essential for success in college and career.
“AP Seminar and AP Research sets students up for collegiate success as they learn how to tackle a large-scale project and persevere to completion,” shared Dr. Kellee J. Kirkpatrick, senior research fellow at Institute for Science, Technology, and Public Policy at The Bush School of Government and Public Service – Texas A&M University. “We have heard multiple reports from AP Capstone alumni that while their college peers are stressing over small, five-page papers, Capstone students are tackling these projects with confidence. Additionally, completing the AP Capstone courses helps students to be careful consumers of knowledge and well-informed, critical citizens.”