Three members of FPD’s class of 2017 will graduate with new diploma endorsements. Ruth Samuel and Adam Young will each graduate with a STEM endorsement, and Jansen Oliver will graduate with a fine arts endorsement.

“FPD has numerous students with advanced talent and time commitment in STEM and fine arts programs,” commented FPD Assistant Headmaster, Dr. Barry Shealy. “These three students have taken their understanding and involvement to the next level.”

For her practicum and culminating senior experience, Ruth Samuel shadowed at a local OB-GYN practice and then presented on the “Long-term Pain Risks after Epidural Anesthesia for Women above the Age of 30.”

Adam Young studied DNA at Emory University and then presented on the “Efficacy of the 1.3’3 Plc B Primer for Use in Elucidation of the HIV-1 Genetic Bottleneck in Heterosexual Transmission.”

To earn his fine arts endorsement, Jansen Oliver gave extensively of his time and talents on the bass, performing in the FPD Praise Band, Jazz Band, and the praise band at his church. He was named to the GMEA District XI Honor Jazz Band multiple years and won the 2017 FPD John Philip Sousa Band Award for leadership and talent.

First Presbyterian Day School introduced the STEM and fine arts diploma endorsements at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. Diploma endorsements are a way to recognize students with strong interests in STEM or the fine arts who have a substantial co-curricular commitment in those areas. They support students as they explore continuing study and involvement and are an indication to colleges and universities that the student is prepared and dedicated to study in their respective area.

“Not only have these students gained notable recognition,” said Dr. Shealy, “but through the process, they have also been better prepared for the rigors of college coursework.”

Ruth plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Adam will attend Emory University, and Jansen will attend Berry College.

Students interested in pursuing a diploma endorsement should contact their principal or appropriate department chair.