AP Research Students “Marry” Their Topics in Official Ceremony

Students received rings and marriage certificates in a ceremony officiated by the principal. Photo: Ms. Simone English

By FAROOQ SALAM and HARIS KHAN

Now that’s commitment! AP Research students officially “married” their research topics on October 28 in a ceremony overseen by Principal Robert Quinlan and the class’s teacher, Ms. Simone English. 

At first glance, the thought of a marriage ceremony in a high school class seems bizarre, but there’s a good reason for it.

“AP Research is an entire year's process and something the students have to commit to,” said Ms. English. “So I asked myself, ‘What analogy can I use to show them this?’ And that's where the whole idea came from.”

Since the summer, the students have been exploring different topics, “dating” in a way, until they narrowed them down to the one topic that they are now “married” to. Students came up with their final topics themselves, based on whatever interested them. 

Aazoo Arora ‘23 is now married to the topic “To what extent does an electric acupressure board impact the cardiovascular health of female dancers aged 13-18?”

“I'm into medical science,” Arora explained. “My aunt is also a  doctor and she uses acupuncture as a treatment.”

The students will be working on a 5,000-word research paper throughout the rest of the year. The project consists of different parts like a literature review, which requires students to research up to 50 papers on their topics. 

“I’m stressed for the research paper, but ready for the challenge,” said senior Lucas Paschke. 

The ceremony itself was very elaborate. The students were given rings and marriage certificates. Dr. Quinlan even read the marriage vows between the students and their research paper questions. 

“I’ve never been married before,” said senior Gabriella Martinez. “I didn’t expect it to be so extraordinary. I’m speechless.”

“Where do I begin?” said Arora. “I didn’t come into school expecting such an extravagant ceremony.” 

For better or worse, in sickness and health, there's a lot of work ahead for these students, but like Ms. English said, “there's no divorcing this research question.”