Thomas County Central High School students posted a record number of 5s on their Advanced Placement exams for the 2021-22 school year. In the last five years, TCCHS’ tally rose from 12 in 2018 to 53 in 2022, a significant increase from 2021’s 33 5s.
“Naturally, we are super proud of those kids who earned these scores,” TCCHS AP Coordinator Erin White said. “We have several who received multiple 5s; we even had six freshmen earn 5s! It is really hard to get a 5, and it is definitely an accomplishment for the kids.”
According to the College Board AP Score Table, a 5 means extremely well-qualified for college credit and placement; it’s equivalent to an A or A plus in a college course taken at a selective university.
Assistant Principal Dr. Erin Rehberg expressed pride in the school’s AP program and its students.
“It is exciting to see students performing at this level and earning the confidence and knowledge needed to do well in college,” she said.
Senior Riley Scoggins achieved three 5s in her junior year tests for AP U.S. History, AP World History and AP Psychology. Reaching her goal feels great to Scoggins.
“The high score makes it feel worth it to have taken the class for a whole year, especially when I know it can get me college credit,” she said. “I set out to achieve a 5 in these three classes, and I was confident that I would see myself reach that goal.”
Emmanuel Rios earned his first 5 as a sophomore in AP World History. He learned of his score while doing physical therapy for his knee on an elliptical machine.
“I saw that I got a 5, and I took a deep breath and kept doing the elliptical,” Rios said. “It didn't hit me that getting a 5 [in this class] was that big until I realized only about 10 percent of participants nationwide received a 5.”
He’s beyond elated to reach the highest possible score in this class because he thoroughly enjoyed it and loves history. However, Rios was unsurprised by his score.
“What propelled me to get that score had to have been the content,” he said. “It was a high-level class that discussed a subject I enjoyed. I liked that class too wholeheartedly not to make a 5.”
Junior Grayson Jones earned two 5s for her sophomore year courses: AP World History and AP English Language. She scored a 5 in her previous AP Government class; however, Jones did not anticipate doing as well again.
“When I made a 5 as a freshman, the bar was set high for the next two AP classes that I was signed up for, and I never expected to do as well as I did the first time,” she said. “My only goal was to pass both exams with a 3 or higher, but I still wanted to try for a 5 without getting my hopes up. I'm incredibly proud of my scores on my exams.”
Many factors contribute to the school’s increase in high scores, including more offerings and earlier participation.
“I think one reason for the increase in 5s is that we are offering a wider range of AP classes than in the past and also allowing and encouraging students to sign up for AP classes starting in their freshman year,” White said.
Jones said encouragement from her peers and teachers – along with how the school approached exams -– was her best motivation.
“What helped me the most was the encouragement from peers and teachers throughout the year, as well as the environment we created around the testing days,” she said. “Not only did Mrs. White and Mrs. [Farran] Burnette make sure we were comfortable and fed on testing days, but students would make plans to go out to breakfast or lunch together, so the entire day was made to be a fun experience rather than a stressful one.”
Rios gave props to the amazing instructors who teach the rigorous courses.
“Mrs. Burnette definitely made class not feel like class; it was entertaining and not boring,” he said. “[I] definitely liked her approach to teaching, and every single meticulous activity we would do had meaning, which helped us in the end for the AP test. This can also be said about my AP Language teacher Mrs. J. Mitchell, as she also had a great approach to teaching her subject. I didn't get a 5, but the test felt just like how we practiced all year.”
Scoggins appreciates White’s guidance and perseverance in encouraging students to take AP courses and the year-end exams.
“To have someone at school like that to encourage students to try new things that benefit them is a privilege,” she said.
To recognize and celebrate these students’ achievements, TCCHS gave them yard signs for their homes. The school began this practice a few years ago after White attended an Advanced Placement National Conference and participated in a session about increasing AP equity, access and performance in rural and low-income communities. Placing signs was an idea shared in the session, and White created a simple design for TCCHS to use.
“I want everyone to know how smart and hard-working our TCCHS kids are,” she said.
Rehberg finds the yard signs an excellent way for TCCHS to recognize its students and show the community that the school values academic accomplishments. Students also appreciate the gesture.
“I thought the yard sign was a nice thing to do to let people who are proud of their scores display it,” Scoggins said.
Jones took pictures with her sign to send to White.
“While we were taking pictures, we had a neighbor drive by and congratulate me on my scores,” she said. “I loved the yard signs!”
The signs hold a more profound meaning for Rios as it’s a privilege, not a requirement, and exemplifies how much White cares about her MERIT students.
“I really appreciate it,” he said. “Yes, I did display it in my front yard, and yes, I did get some neighbor feedback. Now they think I'm Albert Einstein or an intellectual – I’m not.”