Yuma Union High School District Produces Record Number of AP Scholars

YUMA - November 16, 2009 - The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) proudly announced a record number of AP (Advanced Placement) Scholars for the district in 2009.

Forty-five students were named AP Scholars by the College Board.  This included two students receiving the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and six who earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award.  Of the 45 students honored, 19 earned their awards by the end of their junior year.

YUHSD Assistant Superintendent Mark Bastin said the record number of AP Scholars represented a lot of hard work from both the students involved and the school district as a whole.

"It was a pleasant surprise," Bastin said, "but our district has worked really hard on increasing the number of AP classrooms. This also shows our students are interested in the academic rigors involved with these classes. ...They're not only taking these classes, but they're doing really well!"

Anna Bean, a Gila Ridge High School senior, echoed Bastin's sentiments.

"AP classes have challenged me and have definitely prepared me for college," Bean said.  "These classes have broadened my horizons and have engaged me in learning like never before.

"AP classes are filled with students who actually want to learn and teachers who motivate students to go the extra mile. Students are challenged to perform to the best of their abilities and are allowed to really dive deeply into a subject rather than merely skim the top."

According to Bastin, this new record of AP Scholars might not last too long!  He said the school district has seen a dramatic rise in AP classes over the last five years, culminating with 41 different AP subjects being taught this year.

To earn the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, students must receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.  The following YUHSD students claimed that honor:

To receive the AP Scholar with Honor Award, a student must earn an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of at least 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.  The YUHSD Scholars with Honor are:

To earn the AP Scholar Award a student must complete three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher.  Of all AP students worldwide, only 18-percent earned AP Scholar Award status or higher this year. The YUHD AP Scholars include:

Although students do not receive monetary awards from the College Board, the AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions that students may cite among their credentials on applications and resumes.  The AP Scholars will be recognized at the regular meeting of the YUHSD Governing Board on November 18.   

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