On March 19, JC honored 27 accepted incoming freshmen into the class of 2022 as distinctive Carroll Scholars. These students will be the first class to be involved in the new Archbishop John Carroll Scholarship Program. This program enables students to be eligible to graduate with the AP Capstone Diploma accredited by the College Board.

According to the College Board, “AP Capstone is a College Board program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges.” AP Capstone programs are offered at many public high schools in the area, including Eastern Technical High School, Milford Mill Academy, and Riverdale Baptist School, among others. JC is the first Maryland Catholic School to offer AP Capstone.

Over 50 students applied for the program. Rigorous applications and High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores were heavily considered, according to social studies teacher Jake Hollin, who will also assume the role of Vice Principal of Academics for the 2018-2019 school year. The new program drew interest from students from a number of different middle schools throughout the region. Top academic students were reviewed by the selection committee based on composite HSPT scores in the ninetieth percentile, an individual essay, and an interview.

Hollin, along with college counselor Kelly Smith, helped develop the program from a guidance perspective, as well. Capstone students must score a three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, in addition to four other AP classes, to receive credit.

As freshmen, the students are required to take AP Seminar in place of AP Human Geography. In their junior year, students will take AP Research through the AP Capstone track. “[We] foresee this being a part of Senior Project because through research in their junior year, they may discover what they want to do,” Hollin said.

Along with these classes, the students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Although this program requires dedication, students can still be a part of STEM or the College Preparatory Dance Program while being a Carroll Scholar.

However, students who don’t meet the AP Capstone Diploma requirements are still Carroll Scholars regardless of AP scores. According to Hollin, Carroll Scholars may choose to leave the program if it’s not the right fit for them.

Hollin sees the program as beneficial for students in multiple ways, aside from being attractive to colleges. “Something like an International Baccalaureate program is restrictive, but the AP Capstone Program has the same level of distinction. The AP Capstone Program isn’t that old, gives students the flexibility to pursue other interests, and the freedom to be involved,” Hollin said.

The 27 scholars come from twelve different middle schools. JC welcomes Jeremy Biggerman and Chloe Connolly from Bel Air Middle School and Emma Runyeon and Max Snellenburg from Fallston Middle School. Madeline Lisi from Fred S. Engle Middle School (PA) and Abigail Leslie from Immaculate Conception School also are entering into the class of 2022. In addition, Rosalie McGuirk, Blair Mergerian, and Austin Shorts from Harford Day School, and Abigail Field and Annelise Lakatta of St. Joan of Arc School will be Carroll Scholars in the fall.

Joining JC from St. Joseph’s Fullerton are Gianna Bullington, Colin Dilorio, Gavin Innes, Alita Pirozzi, and London Poist. Samantha Ashton, Selona Baker, Jacob Freedland, Nathan Gostomski, and Steven Snyder are enrolling from St. Margaret School. JC welcomes North Harford Middle School students Robert Hauf, Benjamin Rosensteel, Travis Smith, and Chance Woosley. Also entering in the fall, Mark Ghattas of Rising Sun Middle School, Emily Baranoski of St. Stephen School, and Holden Loader of Tome School.

Sarah Spaeth is the Copy Edit Chief for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.