Submitted by: Rob Kinch
Securing placement on the honor roll can no longer be viewed as recognition of achievement reserved solely for students. In December, Rahway Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Camp welcomed official word from the College Board that the district had been named to the College Board’s 8th annual AP District Honor Roll for having increased access to Advanced Placement coursework among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds, while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.
Mr. Trevor Parker, Head of AP and Instruction at College Board, recognized Rahway as one of 447 school districts in the U.S. and Canada whose “educators and administrators are fostering a culture in their schools and classrooms that allows students to face new challenges and build their confidence to succeed.”
Superintendent Camp values this recognition as proof “that our students can do well in college level courses and are both college ready and capable!”
Rahway High School Principal John Farinella underscores the importance of the school’s AP program for all students at all levels. As the driving force behind the program, he is a sincere advocate for instilling increased rigor into the coursework of every discipline in order to prepare students for success in all their studies going forward. He stated, “Underlying the AP program at RHS is the belief that ‘excellence begets excellence.’ The AP program does not only benefit those who are enrolled in AP courses; it benefits all students, creating an unwavering academic bar for all to aspire to reach. It creates a positive academic culture for all students, promoting rigorous opportunities and equity for all students to experience best practices in their classrooms.”
Sharing Principal Farinella’s confidence in the broad benefits of a solid AP program, Dr. Camp adds that, “For our K-8 students, this College Board award also shows that they too are capable of reaching for and attaining a high level of academic performance.”
Recognizing the positive impact of the high school’s AP program on educators as well, AP Language and Composition teacher Bobbie Wright offers, “Working with AP teachers and College Board facilitators at Advance Placement Summer Institutes and College Board workshops has been invaluable in sharpening my skills as a teacher.”
AP teacher Janet Tuohy believes, “Teaching AP Chemistry for the last seven years has not only increased my depth of knowledge of the subject but also motivated me to learn how to deliver content to students in their first year of Chemistry.”
However, reaping the greatest rewards from the 18 AP courses currently offered are, without question, the students themselves. RHS Guidance Counselor and AP Program Coordinator Colleen Bodek affirms, “For many of our students, the AP program is a game-changing experience as it exposes them to rigorous coursework and opportunities that push them to aspire higher academically.” There is no doubt in Ms. Bodek’s mind that, “this program has contributed positively to the college going culture of our students and to the success of our graduates.”
Although not always an easy journey, maneuvering through the ins and outs of AP studies provided senior Luis Muller with many welcomed rewards. He stated, “AP courses here at RHS made me push myself past my limits and then …even more! The sleepless nights, the stressful mornings, and the dreadful post-test afternoons paid off with acceptance by my number one college choice, Elon University, with scholarships to help in my financing!”
Senior Olivier Pierre began taking AP courses while only a sophomore and continued upon that route throughout his high school career. He admits now that he has “no regret” for the many challenges faced along the way. He stated, “Now that I am a senior, accepted into Stevens Institute on full scholarship, I know that AP classes were the basis of my success. I am truly grateful for the AP teachers at RHS for making me do better and GET better.”
Senior Eyan Sirah, who passed all three of his AP exams in his junior year and received early decision acceptance to George Washington University with a $15,000 merit scholarship, offers his classmates an honest and sincere look at his whole AP experience. He stated, “Taking AP classes was the highlight and challenge of my year. Every day was a struggle, yet so gratifying. Seeing yourself become better than you ever thought possible is an eye-opening vision. If you aren’t taking AP classes in high school, you’re missing out on a core experience to challenge the limits of your own potential.”
(above) Superintendent Camp, Principal Farinella, and AP Coordinator Colleen Bodek share strategies for collegial success.
Photo by Joseph Mudrak
(above) Administrators congratulate AP students on their scholarships.
Photo by Joseph Mudrak
(above) RHS Principal John Farinella holds student success in high esteem.
Photo by Joseph Mudrak
