North Hollywood : 2 High School Grads Honored as Scholars

Two 1995 graduates of North Hollywood High School have been named Advanced Placement State Scholars for cumulatively earning more high scores on the college-level examinations than any other students in California.

This week Grace Kwak and David Lowsky received the distinction that is given annually to the top achieving male and female student in each state.

“What these kids have done and with their accomplishments, it’s amazing,” said Catherine Lum, North Hollywood High principal. “You wonder where all their energy comes from.”

Students who successfully pass Advanced Placement exams, which are offered each May, can earn college credit for the courses.

Advanced Placement exams are graded on a five-point scale, and most colleges award class credit for scores of three or higher. There are 29 AP tests offered in 16 disciplines.

While attending North Hollywood High, David achieved received grades of 3 or above on 10 AP exams. Grace earned grades of 5 on 16 exams.

“It’s really like you were in the Olympics and won 16 gold medals, because that’s what Grace did with 16 perfect scores,” Lum said.

Both teen-agers were students in the North Hollywood High School magnet program for gifted students. Grace now is enrolled at Harvard University, David is at Stanford University.