JPII Celebrates
Ana Paiva
for Historic AP Capstone Achievement
JPII Celebrates Senior Ana Paiva for Historic AP Capstone Achievement
Congratulations to Ana Paiva (Class of 2026) for earning the College Board AP Capstone Diploma Distinction and for becoming the first student in John Paul II High School history to achieve this honor before graduation.
The AP Capstone Diploma Program, developed by the College Board, is built around two yearlong courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. This program emphasizes student-centered learning and incorporates performance-based assessments. Through these courses, students develop essential college- and career-readiness skills, including critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management. Capstone assessments are project-based and evaluate mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays. To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must score a three (3) or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as on four additional AP exams.
“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said JPII Principal Daniel Ledbetter. “With the help of our dedicated Capstone teachers, our students explore their passions through scholarly research in this impactful, multi-year program. This meaningful college-readiness experience will serve them well beyond high school.”
Reflecting on her experience, Ana shared:
“Choosing AP Seminar was completely serendipitous. I needed a class to fill my schedule, and my counselor, Ms. Heslep, suggested AP Seminar. To my surprise, I realized that one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Boykin, was teaching the course. All of these factors led to me stepping into AP Seminar sophomore year. Aside from the friendships I formed, my favorite part of the program is how the courses encourage change. Like some English classes, AP Seminar focuses on researching, developing questions, and forming arguments through a line of reasoning. However, what sets it apart was the support for allowing research questions to grow and evolve. This freedom helped my writing develop in ways I hadn’t expected. Some of my favorite essays were written in that class. I highly recommend the course to students who are interested in writing or researching topics of their choosing in ways that traditional English classes may not offer. AP Seminar is definitely a highlight of my time at JPII, and I truly believe others can have the same experience.”
JPII students may begin the AP Capstone Program in 10th grade by enrolling in AP Seminar. Our counseling team is available to provide more information about this program and all other course offerings.
About John Paul II High School
John Paul II High School (JPII) is the premier Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory institution in Collin County, Texas, offering a supportive, faith-based environment where students excel academically and grow spiritually. JPII emphasizes a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors courses, to prepare students for top universities.