Many Sequim High School students were recognized for earning a score of a five on their advanced placement exams taken in May; the highest score that can be awarded on a one to five point scale.
Joe van de Weghe, Sequim High’s AP calculus teacher, said 41 fives were earned by 28 students this year. To honor these students, teachers visited students at their homes during the summer break and congratulated them with a yard sign reading, “You scored a ‘5’ on your AP exam!”
“How exciting it is to recognize these young individuals who are able to achieve success at the highest levels,” van de Weghe said.
The number of AP courses offered has increased over the years, he said, from seven courses offered in the 2013-2014 school year to 13 offered in the 2018-2019 school year. Earning a three or higher on the AP exam allows students to earn advanced placement, college credit, or both at most universities, van de Weghe said.
“Earning a five on an AP exam demands a significant amount of commitment and determination,” he said.
“These students have not only elected to take some of the most rigorous courses available in high school, but have demonstrated mastery of the content, thereby earning them college placement and/or credit.”
Other Sequim High AP teachers share van de Weghe’s sentiments.
“I am so excited to be able to recognize these students at their homes and in their neighborhoods,” Saralyn Pozernick, Sequim High AP US history teacher, said.
“Their success in this program reflects not only the work of their current teachers but also the hard work of teachers at all levels of our district.”
Sequim Schools superintendent Gary Neal also congratulated AP students.
“In order for a student to receive the highest score possible of 5 on an AP exam, the student must demonstrate an ability to be ‘extremely qualified’ in doing college level work in that particular subject matter,” Neal said.
“Congratulations to these students for challenging their academic capacity and achieving the highest score possible on the exam!”
