10 SIS students named AP Scholars

Half of the senior class at Saipan International School performed at a high enough level to earn an AP Scholar Award in their AP exams, according to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. (Contributed Photo)

Nearly half of the senior class at Saipan International School performed at a high enough level to earn an AP Scholar Award in their AP exams, according to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. That’s about 10 students of the class.

SIS headmaster Ron Snyder expects that number to increase when the seniors take additional exams in May 2019.

“I have nothing but respect for the incredible work ethic and dedication of our AP students throughout their tenure at SIS,” added Snyder.

Last May, 31 SIS students took a total of 73 Advanced Placement exams. Of the 73 exams taken, 74 percent received a score of 3 or better, earning them college credit and/or advanced placement at university for successful performance on the exams.

Anna Calvert, Surui Huang, Junhee Lee, and Tania Tan were all named AP Scholars for having earned a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Andrew Hudkins and JunBum Huh earned the added distinction of AP Scholar with Honors by averaging at least 3.25 on all AP exams and a 3 or higher on four or more exams.

Michael Lee, Alex Park, Hyeonjoon Park, and Prunella Pellegrino were all awarded with the top honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, scoring at least an average of at 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

This surpasses both the CNMI passing average of 20 percent and the national passing average of 61 percent, demonstrating the level of hard work and dedication of the SIS students and teachers throughout the school year.

AP offers academically prepared students the chance to take rigorous, university-level courses during their high school years.

During the 2017-2018 school year, SIS expanded its course offerings to include AP courses in: Language and Composition, Literature, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Statistics.

This year, SIS is further expanding its course offerings to include Calculus and Human Geography with plans to offer Physics and Environmental Science in the coming year.

SIS is also the only school in Micronesia that is authorized to offer the AP Capstone Diploma. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges and SIS’ first class will take the first Capstone exam in May 2019. (PR)