A group of academically-committed high school students’ effort and perseverance in advanced content courses paid off in a “delicious” way.

Thomas County Central High School Advanced Placement students who successfully completed AP courses the previous school year were invited to a special luncheon Thursday, Aug. 31. Students were treated to lunch at Ruby Tuesday by Principal Trista Jones as a reward for their academic successes in last year’s courses.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, more than 80 TCCHS students took in excess of 120 AP exams. The school saw a 22-point increase and beat the state (59 percent) and national (60 percent) averages in college credit earned (a score of 3, 4 or 5 on an AP exam). TCCHS earned 12 AP Scholar, four AP Scholar with Honor and five AP Scholar with Distinction recipients from these results.

“TCCHS students who enroll in AP courses seek academic rigor and make a commitment to diligently prepare for demanding coursework and a challenging AP exam,” Principal Trista Jones said. “While they are certainly rewarded through the experience itself, we feel that applauding their efforts and celebrating their success is worthwhile. Treating our AP scholars to a meal in [a] restaurant is fun for all of us.”

Senior Brody Smith took AP Literature, AP Latin and AP Chemistry last year. He’s taking five AP courses this school year.

“I enjoy the AP experience because it offers rigorous work and a chance for college credit,” he said.

Smith chose to participate in the luncheon because he wanted to reward himself for his hard work and successes in his AP classes the previous year.

“I am grateful toward the school for rewarding my efforts and for even offering AP classes to begin with,” he said. “My favorite part of the luncheon was enjoying myself by relaxing with my friends and enjoying the delicious food.”

Last year, Faythe Choate took AP World History and AP Biology. She thought taking AP classes “would be an effective use” of her time said she “gained immeasurable knowledge and appreciation for each subject.” Choate, now a senior, is taking AP Art History this year.

“I felt that I was being rewarded for my hard work and appreciate the effort it took to provide us with the opportunity,” Choate said of the luncheon. “It was a wonderful experience, and I would like to thank Mrs. Jones for offering us this opportunity.”

Smith encourages other students to “take the initiative to push themselves” and “to take advantage of the knowledge being offered” through the TCCHS AP program.

Choate urges undecided students to consider the AP program’s potential rewards: “college credits, expanded knowledge, and the growth of dedication to your work.”

Junior Abigail Jense thought the luncheon “a fantastic reward for a year of hard work.” She encourages other students to consider the school’s AP program because it allows participants to gain new study skills and earn college credit while still in high school.

The free food is good, too, Jense adds.