Los Alamos High School students and staff pose outside of the Roundhouse with LAPS administrators and College Board staff for AP Day at the Legislature. Courtesy/LAPS

LAHS students met with Rep. Brian Baca to discuss the benefits of AP classes. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Twenty-six Los Alamos High School students, along with teachers Jon Frost, Catherine Puranananda and Alison Renner, and LAHS administrators Renee Dunwoody, Ryan Finn and Suzanne Montoya, were guests of Sen. Leo Jaramillo at the 2024 Legislature for AP Day Wednesday.

Los Alamos Public Schools was named the 2023 AP Small District of the Year in November.

LAHS seniors Luke Favorite and Arianne Terrones joined the senator on the Senate floor as the resolution was read.

“My trip to the Roundhouse was an insightful and exciting experience,” Arianne said. “I was given the opportunity to learn about my state government, and to meet many people involved in the legislative process. I was grateful for the opportunity to sit on the Senate floor alongside Sen. Leo Jaramillo, and to see real government in the works.”

“Our invitation to the capital was a testament to my phenomenal school, the hard-working teachers, and many dedicated students,” she commented. “The trip was inspiring and fun, and I am simply glad I was able to be a part of it.”

Prior to the session, students toured the Roundhouse and visited with house representatives and senators to share their experiences with AP courses, advocate for continued support of the Advanced Placement program and discuss the benefits of the program for all students across the state.

“The trip to the Roundhouse was amazing,” Luke said. “Even though we never got the chance to give our prepared speeches, sitting on the Senate floor during the actual senate was amazing. I’m really proud of our school, students, and teachers, and I don’t think we deserved anything less than the award and recognition that we got.”

“I’m thankful to the school for giving me the opportunity to meet so many people and experience the government firsthand, my teachers for being great at their jobs, and Sen. Jaramillo for inviting us to be there and introducing us around,” he added.

Students also had the opportunity to meet with students from other schools who were in attendance for AP Day.

LAHS students Luke Favorite and Arianne Terrones with Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. Courtesy/LAPS