Cool to Be Smart

When students in GCS challenge themselves by taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and college courses, they have the chance to be rewarded by winning a new car or other high-tech prizes!

Each summer, GCS honors more than 500 of the brightest high school graduates at the Rice Toyota/Scion Cool to Be Smart event. One lucky student will hold the key that unlocks the door to a new car and many more students will win Apple iPods, iPads and iTunes gift cards. Students must be present to win.

Graduating seniors can qualify to attend Cool to Be Smart in the following ways:

• Earn a passing score (3, 4, 5) on at least FIVE AP exams during high school, OR
• Earn a passing score (4, 5, 6, 7) on at least FIVE IB exams during high school, OR
• Pass at least FIVE qualifying college courses* with a B or above during high school, OR
• Have a combination of FIVE AP, IB and college qualifying exams or courses

Since 2002, Cool to Be Smart has recognized and rewarded graduates who challenged themselves by taking rigorous courses and passing nationally-administered exams. Businesses for Excellence in Education, which makes the event possible, is a frequent supporter of GCS programs, including Cool to Serve, Guilford Parent Academy and the district’s annual Celebrating Excellence in Education event. 

*For a list of qualifying college courses, click here.

2013 Cool to Be Smart
Sunday, August 4
Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center West Wing A 

Look for your official invite in July. Students must be present to win.

2012 Cool to Be Smart

Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center

Story | Video

Car: Toyota Prius C

Winner: Daniel Horschler, High Point Central High

• 583 graduates from the Class of 2012 qualified to attend Cool to the Smart and try their chance at dozens of prizes.
• This year’s attendees passed a total of 3,748 AP and IB exams during high school, topping last year’s class by 541. 
• They also passed 1,025 qualifying college courses, which include courses such as anatomy and physiology, college economics, college philosophy, college theatre and literature and writing. 
• 40 graduates passed an impressive 10 or more AP exams.
• 52 graduates passed 10 or more college courses.
• Many of these students will earn class credit for their scores at colleges and universities

Past Cool to Be Smart Winners

• 2012 - Daniel Horschler, High Point Central High (Story | Video)
• 2011 - Madeline Kirby, Grimsley High (Story | Video)
• 2010 - Elizabeth Dzugan, The Early College at Guilford (Story | Video)
• 2008 - Erica Zimmerschield, Northwest High (Story | Video)
• 2007 - Shay Hopkins, Grimsley High (Story | Video)
• 2006 - Lauren Boynton, Grimsley High
• 2005 - Laura St. Cyr, Northwest High
• 2004 - Sasha Huggins, Northeast High
• 2003 - Jeffrey Dodson, Andrews High
• 2002 - Zachary Woolard, Southern High