Veterans Memorial High School student and now graduate, Logan Dovalina, created an incredible nature model that is currently on display at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. The model was part of a research project that he did for the AP Capstone program. His research began with attempting to answer the following question, “Does the proposed wall in the Rio Grande Valley incite conflict for ecotourism and rarities of nature in Texas?”
Dovalina wanted to create a model that not only met its purpose but one that was beautiful and that also depicted a feeling of optimism. The wall created would be made of natural elements that include flora and vegetation native to the South Texas area. Throughout the course of his research, he was also able to obtain some great insight from his Expert Advisor, Mariana Treviño- Wright (National Butterfly Center Executive Director).
The AP Capstone Program is part of an approved Advanced Placement (AP) program at all high schools which academically prepares students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. However, Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) had their first group of graduates complete a two-year AP Capstone program.
“There are not many people that know about the AP Capstone program but I found it extremely beneficial in preparation for college. I would like for VMHS students to know that this program is available to them and that each of them can walk away with plenty of knowledge on the research process,” states Dovalina.
For more information on the AP Capstone program, please contact the Advanced Academic Services/UIL office at (956) 323-5506.