Do you plan on becoming an AP Scholar? Well, if you are – you have a strong chance of being honored for all of your hard work just as this year’s AP Scholars were on September 24th.
“The AP Scholar Assembly is a ceremony to recognize students who have been successful throughout the year,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Monteleone, who started this event three years ago when he first came to work at Paint Branch. According to Mr. Monteleone, the purpose is to reward the AP Scholars for their hard work.
Three different AP Scholar awards exist: AP Scholar, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams; AP Scholar with Honors, which is granted to students who receive at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams; and AP Scholar with Distinction, which is granted to students who receive at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
The AP Scholar Assembly took place in the auditorium during 4th period. The assembly started out with Mr. Monteleone telling the AP Scholars, who would be honored to move onto the stage and take a seat. While the students in the audience talked loudly among themselves and the other students moved toward the stage, Mr. Monteleone tried to get the students’ attention so the assembly could begin.
Unfortunately, Dr. Rogers was not able attend to give the opening remarks, so Mr. Monteleone took the stage and explained to the AP Scholars onstage as well as their fellow AP brethren in the audience how these scholars have chosen to challenge themselves by taking challenging courses.
AP Psychology teacher Mr. Montalvan came to the stage first to present awards to the AP Scholars. However, before he presented the awards, he told them that the work they have done in AP will have truly prepared them for college-level work. He added that, because of this preparation, “their first year at university won’t be [too] hard.” Mr. Montalvan then presented the awards to the AP Scholars.
After Mr. Montalvan finished, AP Calculus teacher Ms. Freeman came to the stage for the presentation of the AP Scholars with Honors awards.
English Resource Teacher and AP Literature teacher Mrs. McDonald came on stage last and presented the AP Scholars with Distinction awards.
Last but not least, Dr. Rogers ended the assembly with a closing speech saying, “These Students have done well in being successful in their studies, and now its time for you to be successful in you studies.” She also talked about how the students have encouraged themselves to perform well in college-level classes, which not only helps them get scholarships but also makes their search for a good college easier.
