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Dobyns-Bennett High School Celebrates 14 AP Capstone Diploma Recipients and Recognizes 243 AP Scholars

Kingsport, Tenn. – Fourteen (14) Dobyns-Bennett High School students have received Advanced Placement® (AP®) Capstone Diplomas as well as 243 students named as AP Scholars (or greater) during the 2024-25 school year.  
 
"It's an honor to recognize the success of everyone involved in the AP Capstone Diploma program," stated Dr. Brian Tate, Principal of Dobyns-Bennett High School. "Our students and teachers showed amazing commitment, allowing students to forge their own path through in-depth, passionate research. The skills they've built here are game-changers for their college careers and will serve as a powerful foundation for years to come."

Dobyns-Bennett AP Capstone Diploma™ recipients are: 
  • Sarah Arreola
  • Geneva Bennett
  • Emery Corpstein
  • Benjamin Culp
  • Taylor Davis
  • Emily Doyle
  • Brooklynn Hilton
  • Cade Holton
  • Eesha Kothari
  • Chloe McConnell
  • Natalie Nottingham
  • Piper Osterhus
  • Aparajita Vashisth
  • Baleigh Vernon
The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic success. 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. The capstone program is led by Dobyns-Bennett Chemistry and AP Research teacher Ushma Kothari and English and AP Seminar teacher Leigh Tuell.
 
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. 

"In total, we are celebrating 243 AP Scholars whose commitment and determination are unmatched," said Tate. "They faced college-level challenges head-on and achieved outstanding success. These students embody excellence, making Kingsport City Schools and Dobyns-Bennett High School incredibly proud. Their future is bright, and we know they'll continue this trajectory of success in their next steps."
 
Out of the 243 AP Scholars, a total of 72 students have been named AP Scholars (earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams), 44 AP Scholars with Honor students (average score of 3.71 on all exams and at least a 3 on four or more exams), 112 AP Scholars with Distinction students (average of 4.1 on all exams and at least a 3 on five or more tests), one AP Seminar & Research Certificate, and 14 AP Capstone Diplomas - reflecting an 88 percent pass rate. 
 
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.
 
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).

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