Hartselle High School students have blown the top off of the A+ College Ready grant program by posting 129 passing scores on the advanced placement national exam.

The school is currently completing its first year as part of the grant program, which focuses on Advanced Placement courses and Pre-Advanced Placement courses. The A+ College Ready goal for first year participation was to have 85 passing exams in English, science and math. Not only did the 129 passing scores far exceed the first year goal, they also surpassed the 2013 goal of 103.

Principal Jeff Hyche attributed the outstanding performance to bright, motivated students who work extremely hard throughout the year and an outstanding group of teacher that work extremely hard to prepare students to be competitive and successful globally.

Of the15 students who were recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board, two were named AP Scholar with Distinction. They are Joy Harris and Rachel Mach. They scored at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and had a passing score on five on more of the exams. Harris passed six exams and qualified for 36 hours of college credit. She plans to attend the University of Alabama. Mach passed five exams and qualified for 30 hours of college credit. She will also attend the University of Alabama.

Five students received AP Scholar with Honor designation. They are Michael Camron, Anna Craig, Chanler Crowe. Rebecca Lathem and Audrey Smith. They had an average score of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and passed at least four of them. Craig passed six exams and collected 36 hours of college credit. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi. Smith passed six exams and qualified for 36 hours of college credit. She plans to attend Auburn University

The remaining eight students earned the designation of Honor Scholar. They are Hope Lewis, who passed five exams and qualified for 30 hours of college credit, Preston Lipinski, Elizabeth McDaniel, Seth Nuss, Chance Partlow, Madison Slate, Megan Smith and Kaylee Stutts.

Each passing AP score is recognized by most colleges and universities throughout the nation. Students can receive six college hours for work done in high school for each class. This year, five Hartselle High graduates have had such great success that they potentially have enough hours to enter college as sophomores.