Two 2008 graduates of Ashdown High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP (Advanced Placement) Exams.

Sarah Withem qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 (with 5 being the highest possible score)on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. AP exam scores of 3 or higher qualify a student for free college credit in the subject related to the exam. Sarah's scores on AP Exams during her junior and senior year at AHS were 4 on AP Language, 4 on AP Literature & Composition, 4 on AP Human Geography, 4 on AP U.S. History, 4 on AP Calculus, and 5 on AP Psychology, awarding her at least 18 earned hours of college credit. Sarah is attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville on full scholarship and double-majoring in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. Sarah is the daughter of Tom and Lesa Withem.

Morgan McRae has earned the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher, earning her at least 9 free college hours of credit. Morgan's AP Exam scores were 3 on AP Language, 3 on AP Language and Composition, and 4 on AP Psychology. She is attending Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia on full scholarship and majoring in Biology. Morgan is the daughter of Tim McRae and Terri McRae.

AP is accepted by more than 3,600 colleges and universities worldwide for college credit, accelerated placement, or both. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

About 18% of the 1.6 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award.