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THURSDAY, FEB. 13, 2025
Addison Trail earns AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award Addison Trail has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students in their communities. See the information below from College Board for more details about this recognition. During the 2023-24 school year, 1,153 institutions throughout the U.S. received an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science A (CSA), AP CSP or both courses. Award contenders must either have reached 50 percent or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam-takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Addison Trail was one of only 847 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSP. AP CSP, which first launched in the 2016-17 school year, continues to grow. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 161 percent since 2017, which has broadened STEM career opportunities for more students. Providing young women with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensure gender equity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity and representation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations was $104,200 in 2023. However, women represent just 26.9 percent of the 6.5 million people employed in the same fields.
That’s why College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who didn’t take AP CSP. The study also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework. These findings highlight the importance of schools nationwide achieving gender equity in AP computer science classrooms. Overall, female students remain underrepresented in computer science classes. They account for just 34 percent of AP CSP participants and 26 percent of AP CSA participants. The schools that received this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspiration and are models for all U.S. high schools.
Addison Trail Music Department, Music Booster Club to host annual POPS Concert on Saturday, Feb. 15 Calling all Addison Trail staff, students, parents/guardians, alumni, community members and friends. The Addison Trail Music Department and the Addison Trail Music Booster Club invite you to attend the annual POPS Concert. See all the following details: • This year’s theme is “Broadway Night.” • The evening will include: Music performances by Addison Trail students, dinner, raffles, split-the-pot and a silent auction When: 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15
Inside:
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Where: Addison Trail, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison Cost: $5 for adults, $1 for children younger than 5 years old. A variety of dinner options will be available to buy. Tickets for the raffle, split-the-pot and silent auction will be sold at the door—$2 for one ticket, 10 for eight tickets and $20 for 18 tickets All proceeds will benefit Addi-
son Trail music students. second annual alumni game. For questions or more inforWhen: 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. mation, contact the Addison Trail 15. Where: Addison Trail, 213 N. Music Booster Club at: boosters@ Lombard Road in Addison (in the athsmusic.net. main gym) For questions or more informaAlumni basketball tion, contact Addison Trail boys basgame takes place Feb. 15 Calling all alumni of the Addison ketball head coach Brendan Lyons at Trail boys basketball team. You’re blyons@dupage88.net or 630-458invited to participate in the team’s 4380.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
Addison Trail senior named as Secretary of Illinois State Thespian Officers
As soon as Addison Trail senior Vanessa Zink (pictured, third from left) stepped on stage and joined Addison Trail Theatre four years ago, she knew she had found her passion—and she has been part of every show since, as a member of the crew. Zink is president of International Thespian Society Troupe 1498 (Addison Trail’s Theatre Honor Organization), and she’s thrilled to be able to share her love of theatre even further this year as she has been named as Secretary of the Illinois State Thespian Officers. “My favorite part of theatre is the sense of community it provides,” Zink said. “It’s so rewarding to come together as a group and create something great. We work as a team to make a performance from nothing.” To be part of the state-level organization, Zink had to complete an application highlighting her experiences and skills. She said the focus of the Illinois State Thespian Officers is to represent thespian troupes throughout the state and make sure they all feel seen and heard and can share their passion and ideas. This year, they hosted a workshop on leadership and a workshop on marketing, and they are planning a gala for spring. “I’m beyond thrilled to serve as Secretary,” Zink said. “I love representing Addison Trail’s theatre program. It has taught me so much and made me a better person, so I want to represent my school and thespian groups throughout Illinois. I hope to share my excitement with and inspire my peers.”
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