BRANSON, MO (August 29, 2022) – Four students at Branson High School have earned the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma™ during the 2021-22 school year.

The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration and
presentation skills that are critical to academic success.

“We are fortunate that Branson Schools has one of the largest Advanced Placement programs
in Southwest Missouri,” says Branson High School’s AP Coordinator, Sarah Loyd. “By offering a
wide range of AP courses, we are able to provide an opportunity for students to challenge
themselves and grow academically and personally,” says Loyd. 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. Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at
Branson High School, four were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma. They are: Joshua Bartram,
Kylah Burkleo, Emma Mathews and Charles Motley.

“The AP capstone diploma is one of the highest honors students can earn in the program. We
are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance these students have put
forth to reach this accomplishment,” says Loyd.

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.