'I was getting good grades in my other classes, and my teachers just decided to try out AP, and it worked out. I was the youngest one in those classes, ... and I thought, how am I going to keep up?'

STUDENT: David Hillsman, 12th grade

SCHOOL: Camelot Academy, Durham

ACHIEVEMENT: David began Advanced Placement classes in 10th grade. This month, he earned an AP Scholar Award for passing at least three AP exams. He also was named a Commended Student in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship competition, placing in the top 5 percent of 1.4 million students. Nominate someone deserving of a gold star at share.triangle.com. Click on "Gold Star."