Academic Excellence at SCA: Rooted. Respected. Ready.

At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, academic excellence is not just measured by scores—it is the natural outcome of our students’ drive, our faculty’s dedication, and our shared mission to prepare young women who are rooted, respected, and ready. This year, our students once again demonstrated their commitment to high-level learning through success in Advanced Placement (AP) exams and an expanded selection of Dual Enrollment (DE) opportunities.

Rooted in Achievement: AP Success

Each summer, the College Board releases AP exam scores, and this year’s results reflect the strength of our academic program. Over 87% of SCA exams earned a score of 3 or higher, opening doors to potential college credit and advanced placement. These scores represent more than numbers—they symbolize discipline, perseverance, and the readiness of our students to excel in the challenges ahead.

We are proud to recognize the accomplishments of our newest AP Scholars, young women who embraced rigorous coursework and earned national recognition from the College Board:

Class of 2026

• Elise Baron – AP Scholar
• Maryann Bashi – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Michaela Coffey – AP Scholar
• Beatrice Dinverno – AP Scholar
• Neha Jose – AP Scholar with Honor
• Katia Lopez – AP Scholar
• Katie Mahon – AP Scholar with Honor
• Brooklyn Nafso – AP Scholar with Honor
• Brook Winkler – AP Scholar

Class of 2025

• Sabrina Alstott – AP Scholar with Honor
• Marianne Castro – AP Scholar with Honor
• Elizabeth Creen – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Claudia De La Cruz – AP Scholar with Honor
• Valencia Imperi – AP Scholar with Honor
• Tara Kellow – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Hannah Kim – AP Scholar with Honor
• Leah Lassey – AP Scholar with Honor
• Hannah Pleet – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Isabel Thomas – AP Scholar

Respected Pathways: Dual Enrollment at SCA

Building on this AP foundation, SCA continues to expand opportunities through Dual Enrollment. Thanks to our collegiate block schedule, students can now complete 2–4 credit college courses in a single semester—sometimes more than one at a time.

Dual Enrollment allows students to:

• Explore new fields like Marketing and Management
• Take advanced science courses such as DE Biology and DE Chemistry
• Earn transferable credits through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)
• Learn from SCA faculty serving as adjunct professors

This combination of AP and DE courses ensures that our students are not only challenged but also positioned for success at the next level.

Ready to Lead: Our Faculty at Work

Academic excellence thrives when teachers model lifelong learning. This summer, several SCA faculty members advanced their own professional development:

• Mr. Nickel, Mathematics, served as an AP Reader, scoring AP exams alongside educators nationwide.
• Ms. Buckberry, Theology, attended the Harkness Institute at Phillips Exeter Academy, strengthening student-centered dialogue in the classroom.
• Mrs. Zelmanski, Physics, participated in two AP Summer Institutes, in Physics and Government, ensuring our students benefit from the most up-to-date AP instruction.

Their expertise and commitment empower our students to rise to new challenges with confidence.

Rooted. Respected. Ready.

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, we celebrate the academic achievements of our Stars and look forward to what lies ahead. Our students are rooted in faith and knowledge, respected for their excellence, and ready to make an impact—here at SCA, in college, and beyond.

Congratulations to all of our AP Scholars, and thank you to our educators for guiding them with excellence and care.

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Academic Excellence

As we prepare for another school year at St. Catherine of Siena Academy, we celebrate our students' academic achievements and our dedicated educators' efforts. This year, our students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and success in their Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as recognized by the College Board. At St. Catherine of Siena, an all-girls Catholic high school in Wixom, Michigan, we believe that faith and academic excellence go hand in hand, and this belief is reflected in the outstanding achievements of our students.

AP Scores: A Measure of Achievement

In July, the College Board released the Advanced Placement exam scores, marking a significant milestone for students. These scores reflect their hard work and commitment to college-level coursework, offering a glimpse into their academic potential as they prepare for higher education.

Parents are encouraged to engage with their daughters to discuss their AP scores, accessible through their College Board accounts. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate their successes and identify areas for growth as they continue their academic journey, which is nurtured in our faith-based learning environment.

AP Scholars: Recognizing Excellence

We are happy to congratulate several of our students who have been recognized as AP Scholars, a designation awarded by the College Board. This recognition highlights outstanding college-level achievement across multiple AP Exams, showcasing the depth of knowledge and academic rigor our students have embraced.

The AP Scholar Awards are categorized into different levels:

• AP Scholar: Granted to students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
• AP Scholar with Honor: Awarded to students with an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
• AP Scholar with Distinction: Bestowed upon students who achieve an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

We proudly recognize the following students for their exceptional achievements:

Class of 2025

• Sabrina Alstott – AP Scholar
• Alexa Camaj – AP Scholar
• Elizabeth Creen – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Claudia De La Cruz – AP Scholar
• Valencia Imperi – AP Scholar
• Tara Kellow – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Leah Lassey – AP Scholar
• Emily Mahon – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Hannah Pleet – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Isabel Thomas – AP Scholar

Class of 2024

• Lauren Dotto – AP Scholar
• Lucia George – AP Scholar
• Elizabeth Harris – AP Scholar
• Antonia Leonardo – AP Scholar with Distinction
• Therese Prince – AP Scholar
• Lauren Proper – AP Scholar
• Lauren Schunder – AP Scholar
• Rose Worth – AP Scholar with Distinction

Congratulations, STARS!

AP Readers and Educators: Leading by Example

Our commitment to academic excellence is not limited to our students. Our educators, too, play a vital role in ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education. This summer, Mr. Nickel from the Mathematics Department served as an AP Reader, joining 20,000 educators nationwide to score AP Calculus free response answers. His participation in this online cohort provided him with valuable insights and connections with fellow mathematics educators from across the country. We are also excited to welcome Katherine Zelmanski, who is joining us this year as a Physics teacher and an AP Reader over the summer. Mr. Nickel, who teaches AP Calculus AB and AP Precalculus, and Ms. Zelmanski both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their classrooms, helping our students excel in their studies. Their dedication is a testament to the holistic Catholic education that we provide at St. Catherine of Siena Academy, where faith and education are intertwined.

Additionally, our English department was well-represented at AP Workshops this summer. Mrs. Zybtowski participated in the AP Language and Composition Workshop at Novi High School, while Mr. Connolly attended the AP Literature and Composition Workshop. These professional development opportunities allow our teachers to stay current with the latest teaching strategies and best practices, further enhancing the educational experience for our students.

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A Bright Future Ahead

As we embark on the 2024-2025 academic year, we are filled with anticipation and joy. The achievements of our students and the dedication of our faculty underscore the excellence that defines St. Catherine of Siena Academy. We look forward to continuing this tradition of faith and academic excellence, nurturing the minds and spirits of our students as they prepare to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Congratulations once again to all our AP Scholars, and a big thank you to our educators for their commitment to excellence!

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References: Advanced Placement® (AP) – College Board