GHS Cambridge Program Students
Earn International Distinction
After graduating its first group of four-year Cambridge Program students, Gainesville High School is celebrating the success of some of those graduates and two graduates-to-be.
A total of six current and just-graduated GHS students have been named winners of Cambridge Scholar Awards, which recognize the exceptional performance of students on the rigorous Cambridge International Examinations. Only 200 students nationwide earned the distinction this year.
The Cambridge Scholar Award winners include GHS graduates Amanda Moriera-Cali, Jennifer Harrison, Michael Prendes and Melissa Sheldon. Seniors Michael Bird and Hayden Chance also won the award.
The Cambridge Program offers students the opportunity to take rigorous courses and exams to receive college credit and advanced standing at colleges and universities. To earn the Cambridge Scholar Awards, the students earned high scores on the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) exams that are administered to Cambridge students in 11th and 12th grade.
“Cambridge covers concepts in great depth and really requires students to apply what they learn, particularly through writing,’ said Ken Mercer, who coordinates the program at GHS. “It’s very demanding, which is why the kids come out of here very, very well prepared for college.”
“It’s a very strong academic program that’s recognized internationally,” said Bunnie James, a program coordinator. “But we also have flexibility built into our program so that students who are strong in one area can focus on that if they choose.”
Chance says that flexibility is perfect for him, allowing him to focus on science courses that will help him meet his goal of becoming a doctor. The program also allows him to play on GHS’ football team while still fulfilling the high academic standards set by Cambridge. He strongly recommends the program for other highly-motivated students.
“If you’re in school to learn and be prepared for the future, it’s definitely worth it,” he said. “You’ll work hard, but you know you’re going somewhere, you have direction.”
“We attract kids who want the experience of a strong academic program but also want to feel like they’re part of a larger school community,” said Mercer.
Bird agrees that Cambridge has given him the opportunity to excel academically while still participating in extracurricular activities. He’s played varsity soccer and served as president of both the STOMP Club and the school’s Young Democrats organization.
“High school should be fun, but you should be focused on your studies so you can get where you want to go,” he said. “High school is where you prepare for college and for life.”