Many high quality high schools around the state offer a variety of AP classes, and here at RPHS one popular choice for students is AP Biology, taught by Mrs. Sweany. This week we interviewed some students from Mrs. Sweany’s AP Biology class. We chose three students: Launa Tangney, Jaylynn Acre, and Kristina Christensen-Frazine, who all gave us some insight into the class.
Launa Tangney said that the class is fast-paced and that she is always learning something new. She also told us that “Mrs. Sweany is very helpful and sweet to everyone.” Tangney explains that they are learning about DNA replication along with mRNA and how she, along with others in the class, think it's interesting. It’s helpful for students to know about a class before they decide to take it so they can prepare.
Kristina Christensen-Frazine discussed the hands-on activities of the class and that she “learns a lot from doing the hands-on activities, like the labs.” She explains that Mrs. Sweany “gives you lots of opportunities for help and will make sure you don’t fail, and most importantly, she is kind to everyone.” Kristina also explained that they are learning about oxidation and how “fascinating” it is. AP Bio is a great class to take to improve your hands-on learning and to gain new ways to study.
Acre echoed Frazine’s comments about Mrs. Sweany. “She makes the class very fun and interesting with everything that we do” and she is “similar to a mom by how much she pushes you to do your best in everything.” Jaylynn has learned very important things from Mrs. Sweany, since she has made sure to keep everyone engaged and the class interesting.
There are many advanced classes at Reeths Puffer High School that are offered, and AP classes are key for raising students’ GPAs, which many students favor today. “I like knowing my hard work has paid off when I see my GPA,” Acre says.
Classes like AP Biology with Mrs. Sweany offers students opportunities to learn about subjects like evolution, genetics, and ecology, along with plenty of experiences with hands-on labs, which will better prepare students for higher-level classes in college and future success in their careers. Jaylynn Acre finishes off by adding that “Mrs. Sweany has taught me so much and made me more confident for my future in college, heading into the real world, and having the knowledge I'll need for my future career.”
Written by: Sophia Wathen, Emmalee Bishop
Images taken by Sophia Wathen