Yuma scores record number of AP Scholars

A record number of Yuma Union High School District students have attained the Advanced Placement Scholars standard as cited by the College Board.

The AP program gives students the opportunity to take university level courses while in high school and earn college credit, according to a YUHSD news release. Of the 1.7 million students across the globe who take AP exams, just 18 percent attain the AP Scholar award.

Those scoring 3 or higher on three or more exams achieve the AP Scholar standard, and labels, with honors or distinction, are superior levels of achievement. The AP exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest.

Of 45 Yuma AP Scholars, six earned the AP Scholar with honors status, which are students who score 3.25 or higher on all AP exams taken. Two earned AP Scholar with distinction awards, which are for those with a 3.5 or higher average. A state AP Scholar is granted to one male and female student in each U.S. state. National AP Scholar is given to those with an average of 4.

Students do not receive monetary rewards since the recognition is an academic acknowledgement of superior performance only. But students will be honored at the YUHSD board meeting WednesdayNov. 18. YUHSD receives a grant to fund the AP exams.

Scoring above 3 shows the students are excelling, said Faith Klostreich, Gila Ridge academic vice principal. This is the first year Gila Ridge has had AP Scholar courses because it is the first time the school has a senior class since opening in 2007. Gila Ridge had eight students who were AP Scholars.

"Our district set a good precedent at the other schools for offering AP classes. And the ones excelling are the ones with tremendous ability."

Persuading students to enroll in AP courses is not at all a hard sell, Klostreich said. Despite knowing AP courses are more difficult, students are also aware that the benefits of AP pay off in the long run, she noted.

Klostreich singled out two of her students for distinction: Diego Rodriguez and Anna Bean. They not only contribute to school culture but are great role models, she said.

"They're not just about studying or nerdy bookworms. They have lots of outside interests."

Diego, 17, a Gila Ridge senior, said he was a little surprised when informed of the award because he didn't know it existed.

"My parents are very happy about it. I guess I take the AP classes because they are more challenging and mostly because I felt bored in regular class."

Diego said he was considering history or political science as a major and had his eye on attending Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff or University of Arizona. He said Klostreich has been very helpful in providing a sense of direction for his academic career.

Anna, 18, also a senior, said she too was bored with regular classes but found AP classes a challenge. She also said she loves a challenge because it adds an extra push. She wants to go to medical school to become a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.

"The whole purpose to be in school is to learn as much as you can. AP classes taught me better time management, be the best I can and broadened my perspective to pursue whatever I want."

The College Board is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect students to college success. AP is accepted by 90 percent of the four-year colleges in the U.S.