U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, front row, third from left, presents a Congressional Record to Los Alamos High School Principal Renee Dunwoody, front row, center, and Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Guy, front row, fifth from left, Tuesday afternoon in Teacher John Frost’s AP U.S. Government and Politics class. The Congressional Record recognizes LAPS for its achievement of being the College Board Advanced Placement® District of the Year. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández speaks to Los Alamos High School Teacher John Frost’s AP U.S. Government and Politics class Tuesday afternoon. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Did you know that New Mexico has one of the biggest cheese factories in the nation? Or that the state is the second largest grower of pecans in the U.S.? How about that Los Alamos Public Schools has been named out of 12,000 schools as College Board Advanced Placement® District of the Year for being the national leader among small-sized school districts whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access?
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández reported on these facts when she attended Los Alamos High School (LAHS) Teacher John Frost’s AP U.S. Government and Politics class Tuesday afternoon to congratulate the district on its achievement.
“When I heard about the 12,000 schools … that had applied for this award, and you won it … I just love my district. I love representing my district!” she said.
She described the district she represents, which is the Third Congressional District, as “beautiful” and “diverse”.
Producing cheese and growing pecans certainly adds to the quality of the district but Leger Fernández pointed out that the very students in the classroom are what make her district great.
“There are amazing things about New Mexico in our district but the most amazing thing … is of course our future and you are our future,” she said. “When we invest in our future, when we pay attention to our future, we are assuring ourselves that we will have prosperity that we will thrive.”
So, when Leger Fernández said she learned about the school district’s accomplishment, she knew she needed to do something. That something was documenting the district’s achievement in a Congressional Record.
She explained Congressional Records are keepsakes of everything that happens in the U.S. Congress – whether it is George Washington’s first speech to Congress or Pres. Joesph Biden’s upcoming State of the Union address.
What the school district has achieved is worthy of being preserved in history, Leger Fernández said.
“Congress cares about these achievements; Congress cares about what you all did…,” she said. “I wanted to make sure we recorded in our nation’s history your accomplishment.”
Superintendent Jennifer Guy said Leger Fernández’s visit and the recognition were very appreciated.
“It was amazing to hear her enthusiasm and her passion for her job,” she said. “She makes every citizen’s voice important, and everyone feel heard.”
In addition to presenting the Congressional Record, Leger Fernández answered student’s questions, which ranged from what issues she is most passionate about to how to address the polarization in the U.S. government.
Leger Fernández said she is passionate about the wants and needs of her community. She further noted that the legislation she had passed to provide aid for the Hermit’s Peak Fire was one of her most impactful pieces of legislation.
As far as polarization, she said the previous legislative session was one of the most productive in history, followed by one of the most unproductive. She emphasized the importance of voting, staying informed and engaged.
Los Alamos Public Schools was one of more than 12,000 school districts across the U.S. and Canada whose schools achieved high placement on the annual AP School Honor Roll. From this list, three AP Districts of the Year―one for each category of district population size: small, medium and large―were selected based on research-based criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Over the past year, Los Alamos Public Schools maintained 40% or more of the graduating cohort taking at least 1 AP Exam during high school, and simultaneously 25% or more of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP Exam during high school.
Participating in AP coursework can lead to college savings for families. The typical student who scores a 3 or higher on two AP Exams can save, on average, $2,252 at a public four-year college and over $8,308 at a private institution.
While two out of three AP students earn some college credit, success in AP is measured by more than exam results. Research shows students who take AP courses and exams are more likely than their peers to attend college and graduate on time. Even AP Exam scores of 1 or 2 predict better college outcomes than academically similar college students who didn’t take an AP course and exam.
In 2023, more than 3,400 colleges and universities worldwide received AP scores for college credit, placement, or consideration in the admissions process. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores.
To learn more about AP, visit exploreap.org
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández meets with Los Alamos High School students Tuesday afternoon. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández meets with Los Alamos High School students Tuesday afternoon. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
