Bloomington students earn AP Capstone Diploma

Kennedy High School students from the Dimensions Academy Class of 2024 earned the AP Capstone Diploma. Graduates Carter Bain, William Giles, Simon Katan, Kenna Kollwitz and Nora Rikansrud were recognized for their outstanding achievement in the rigorous, multi-year AP Capstone program.

The AP Capstone Diploma is awarded to students who achieve scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP exams. Unlike the traditional AP courses that conclude with an end-of-year exam, AP Seminar and AP Research emphasize collaboration, presentations, and research essays, helping students develop essential academic success.

During their junior year, these students completed AP Seminar, conducting in-depth research and creating sophisticated arguments on a variety of topics.

• Carter Bain explored the historical and political perspectives of gifted education in the U.S. His presentation focused on how ancient wisdom can guide modern decision-making.
• William Giles produced a comprehensive report on the economic impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), using his findings to support a team project advocating for continued research into GMOs. He also researched the causes and impacts of resilience in his individual presentation.
• Simon Katan analyzed the increasing demand of psychological services among lower-class populations, contributing to a team presentation on the origins of psychiatry and its effects on marginalized groups. His presentation examined the intersection of Buddhist and Western views of the self.
• Kenna Kollwitz examined the cultural and social aspects of gifted education, and argued for tailored approaches to education and work environments to improve social well-being.
• Nora Rikansrud researched the economic impacts of inclusive versus exclusive gifted education, and the need to embrace Indigenous people’s linguistic, cultural, and physical relationships with the environment to address the climate crisis.

The research of Bain, Kollwitz, and Rikansrud formed the foundation for a team presentation on the topic of gifted education in the U.S. The team discussed methods to improve and restore gifted education to its intended purpose.

AP Capstone is a prestigious diploma program developed by the College Board, designed to engage students in scholarly research and interdisciplinary learning. AP Seminar and AP Research are year-long courses designed to cultivate essential research, collaboration and presentation skills.