The Orbit May 2025

MAY 2025

SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR ALL

Bart’s Blog WELCOME TO THE MAY ISSUE OF THE ORBIT! It’s May and my favorite part of the school year is just around the corner: graduation!

The time-honored tradition of high school seniors walking across the stage and moving into the next phase of their lives is a scene that has always filled me with hope for the future and a sense of reassuring continuity.

In this edition of The Orbit, we take a look at how Epic’s graduation ceremonies have evolved since the very first event took place 14 years ago, with just 40 graduates taking part. When you consider that this year’s graduating class will consist of some 4,500 graduates, it becomes clear just how far we’ve come since those early days.

What was once a small and rather austere affair has turned into nothing less than a full-blown celebration of student accomplishment and pride.

This month, we also examine how Epic’s School Safety and Security team is protecting our students, families, teachers and staff every day. Being a mostly virtual school presents its own set of challenges when it comes to school security but our team of exceptional security professionals continues to find innovative and efficient ways to keep us safe in what can be a most uncertain world.

Thank you for the part you have played in making the 2024-25 school year one of Epic’s best! I look forward to all of the opportunities and exciting adventures we will discover together next year. And, as always, please let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see in The Orbit when it returns in August by emailing theorbit@ epiccharterschools.org.

Until next time, Bart Banfield

SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR ALL Epic’s School Security team is raising the bar Like most things at Epic, things change and evolve to meet the needs of its students, families and staff. School security is no different. The realities of the world in 2025 necessitate innovation and new strategies to combat the very real threats learning institutions face nationwide. When coupled with being a statewide, mostly virtual school, those challenges require innovative thinking and a creative allocation of resources.

Chief Director of School Safety and Security Dexter Nelson joined Epic a little more than two years ago and was charged with the task of stepping up the school’s security protocols.

The former Oklahoma City police officer brought to the post years of experience in law enforcement, and both private and school security.

Nelson, whose wife works as an Epic managing director of instruction, said he had been consulting for the school, providing threat assessments for sites, when he was asked to become its security chief.

“So, I wrote a proposal, Epic adopted it and then we hired Travis,” he said.

Travis Salkil is Epic’s managing director of school safety and security. He’s been in his post for two years and together with Nelson, they oversee a team of seven security professionals who ensure the security for Epic’s numerous physical sites, events and online instruction.

He also comes from a law enforcement and private security background and is the husband of Epic’s Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Shawna Salkil.

One of the first things the pair did after stepping into their roles was to increase the amount of training the school’s security staff receives, increasing it well beyond the minimum currently required by the state for security personnel.

“In the security world, they are certified for three years and are only required to have eight hours of continuing education in that time,” Salkil said, adding that Epic’s security staff is also trained in de-escalation and terroristic threats, report writing, first-responder CPR and certified in crisis intervention team training through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health.

Nelson said his staff adheres to the standard of continuing education set forth by law enforcement, which is 25 hours per year, far more than is currently required.

“As a school security community, we are working to get a six-module course endorsed by the Council on Law Enforcement and Training (CLEET), which currently doesn’t exist,” he said.

“At Epic, we try to raise the level of who we hire and what we train them to do and know by requiring them to do more.”

When looking for security personnel to hire, Nelson and Salkil said that while they prefer candidates with law enforcement or military experience and what certifications they hold, individual character goes a long way, too.

“We want someone who can think on their feet, who’s not too aggressive, too heavy-handed and is good around kids,” Nelson said. “If you’ve got anything at all negative in your background that involves a child, we don’t want you.”

Echoing Nelson, Salkil said that while security staff are there to be a deterrent, they also need to be approachable.

“Some kids, because of their home life, are just looking for stability,” he said. “We try to find people who can be a stable presence at the school that those kids can trust, that they can count on.”

In addition to protective vests and bulletproof shields, some of the school’s other defensive equipment includes ballistic whiteboards.

Weighing in at around 400 pounds each, each of them is roughly 6 ’ x4’ and is designed to be a barrier between students and harm. But armored barriers are just a part of their security arsenal. Relationships and training play a huge role, as well.

For example, Nelson and Salkil said they receive a great many requests for a security presence at school events and testing sites (to name a few) because people generally feel safer. Further, they rely heavily on the relationships they build both internally and externally to get the job done.

Salkil said the security staff relies heavily on Epic’s Customer Experience team to be their eyes and ears of micro sites. After all, it’s impossible for seven people to be everywhere statewide all the time.

“They are awesome,” Salkil said, noting that each Customer Experience team member at a physical location is trained in CPR, and the school’s emergency response plans, as well as performing security drills. “If something happens at their site, they’re equipped to handle what comes their way.”

Also, Nelson and Salkil work closely with Epic’s Facilities team to ensure everything from lighting to security camera angles to security locking equipment and trip hazards is considered as new school sites come online.

They also said one of their biggest challenges is getting everyone to remember that a virtual classroom carries with it the same challenges as a brick-and-mortar classroom.

For example, students are not allowed to smoke in classrooms, so if a student is seen vaping during a Zoom call, school security is required to address it.

“We’ve had students pull out a gun during a Zoom meeting only to find out later it was a BB gun or a toy gun,” Nelson said. “In that instance, we’re obligated to take action by sending the police to their home to do a welfare check.

That’s been tough to overcome.”

In the end, both men said their team’s main function is to facilitate education by ensuring everyone involved is safe.

“We understand the primary function of Epic is to educate students and our job is to make it safe for them to do so.”

GR ADUATION EVOLUTION A THEN-AND-NOW PERSPECTIVE ON HOW EPIC’S CEREMONIES HAVE E VOLVED Anyone who has been to an Epic graduation ceremony in recent years will almost always say the same thing: they are a sight to behold. The air of joy and celebration as thousands of graduating seniors take their walk across the stage is palpable.

The hundreds of volunteers and staf f who contribute to the massive under taking are visibly happy to be there and cheer for that year ’s graduating class.

It wasn’t always that way, though.

Sean Ridenour, Epic’s multimedia production coordinator, has been with the school since its founding and oversaw its ver y first graduation event in 2011. He categorized the organization of the inaugural ceremony of 40 graduates as “like herding cats.” “ We didn’t know what we didn’t know,” he said, adding that instead of a graduation ceremony, the event resembled something more akin to a funeral. “ We didn’t have balloons at that ceremony. We had t wo urns of flowers flanking the podium. We spent $800 on flowers, and let me tell you that $800 wor th of flowers looks much dif ferent than $800 wor th of balloons.”

From a lack of proper signage to direct guests, to boxes of wrinkled caps and gowns, a great many things went ver y wrong. “ We had washers and dr yers in the admin building at the time and we thought that we would just spray a lit tle water on them, throw

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them in the dr yer and they ’d be fine,” he said. “ They weren’t. So, here comes the day of the ceremony and we’ve got 40 gowns that needed to be steamed, and all of our suppor t staf f were there steaming gowns for kids who were just standing there and waiting. It backfired on us.”

As the years moved on, things slowly began to change, lessons were learned, and by 2017, he’d handed the graduation reins over to Serena Watson, Epic’s director of special events. That ’s when things began to evolve into the ceremonies we see today.

The Class of 2018 was Watson’s first ceremony to oversee, with 846 graduates that year. By comparison, the Class of 2025 is expected to be around 4,500! She said since then, the ceremonies have kept get ting bigger because of Epic’s continued grow th in both enrollment and staf f, which has led to adding elements to graduation and doing away with some that no longer made sense.

“I think the formalit y of a traditional graduation provides some anxiet y for some students,” she said, noting that doing away with things such as lining up students for a processional has helped. “It became more about the students and meeting them where they were. When we did away with that, I feel like the vibe changed for ever yone, including the staf f, and when the staf f isn’t stressed, neither are the at tendees.”

The lineup wasn’t the only change. Watson

said years of obser ving what students need on their big day have allowed the ceremonies to become full-ser vice, student-centered, literal red-carpet events that are true celebrations of accomplishment.

These days, Watson and her Events team are prepared for almost any thing, and if they ’re not, they most cer tainly will be next time.

Ever y thing from clothing steamers, full-leng th mirrors, eye drops, safet y pins, nail glue, stain sticks and even boxes of flip-flops for shoe emergencies are now standard equipment at ever y graduation ceremony.

“It all stems from a situation where something went wrong,” Watson said. “If that one, small thing is standing bet ween you and having a great graduation experience, we want to do whatever we can to remove that problem.”

She also said that her hyper focus on students has led to genuine human connections that can extend far beyond graduation day. One year, a student who was homeless at the time showed up to retrieve her cap and gown that had been

provided via an Epic scholarship program for students in need. Seeing an oppor tunit y to help, the vendor representative spoke to the student and was ultimately able to gather enough donations to help her get into an apar tment and furnish it. “ They ’re still friends and ever y year, she brings me pictures of her with that student ’s child because she’s a mother now,” Watson said. “ We make those connections and we form those bonds…It ’s just incredible.”

Ridenour, who has been involved with ever y Epic graduation ceremony, said he’s proud to see the events have grown into what they are today, calling them a testament to the customization of Epic.

“It ’s a dif ficult day to plan from star t to finish but because there are so many people involved now, it comes together as stress-free as possible for ever yone,” he said. “ The things Serena and her team have organized as the years have come along are amazing.”

EPIC E VENTS TE AM

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NHS/NJHS SPRING 2025 INDUCTEES

Being a member of National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society is more than just a great-looking line on a student’s transcript or resume. It’s a clear sign of academic commitment, character, leadership and dedication to service – attributes Epic holds dear.

To all of our newest NHS/NJHS inductees, congratulations on behalf of your school, your community and the future generations who will benefit from your talent and service.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES ELLIE RAE ALFONSO ADRIENNE ARMONI ANDERSON MARIYAH LIWRAY ASHLEY LUCILLE EVERETT BAKER MADELYN ADELE BAKER MARIAH RAEANN BATTIEST GRACE ELISABETH BAUGHMAN VENICE INEZ BELL ALAYA ANGEL BELTON LILLYANN BENNETT ABBOTT STAPP BETTS AVERIE BIRELY SEAN BRADLEY BODE HARLOW RYAN BRADDOCK ARAYA GRACE BRESHEARS ANNISTON MARYGRACE BROWN DAVID OLIVER BROWN T’AJAH QUINEICE BROWN T’AYLAH Q BROWN DECLAN JAMES BUCKNER ALEXIS BURGESS VALLIE ANLYN BURGESS LYDIA GRACE BUSHMAN BRYCE ALLEN BUTTERFIELD HOYT MICHAEL BUTTS LANDON KYLE CAMPBELL RADEYAH CAMPBELL MARLEY MARIE CARNEY ROBERT WYATT CASTO KINGSTON RED LEAF CHAMBERS ASHER CHASTAIN ILIANA ESPERANZA CLARK SANCHEZ

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EMMALEE FAITH STRAUB CHRISTOPHER LEE SULLIVAN BERLIN ELIZABETH SUMMERS SAYLOR JAE SUTTERFIELD TRENTON ALAN SWAFFORD MADELYNN KAILIA SWEET CREE TATE JOLIE GRACE TAYLOR ANGEL MANUEL TERRAZAS PAISLEY LUELLA THOMAS LAYLA GRACE THOMASON KELSEY THOMPSON DAKOTA SKY THURMOND LISSIANNA VICTORIA LYNN TOYNE BELLA ANAIS VAZQUEZ HOLLEY CHRISTINE VELASQUEZ LEIGHA MARIE VENABLE MICHAIAH HARLYNN VISSIA ANNABEL E WALKER JASMINE ELIANA WALKER SHAWN AIDEN WALKER ZYA RENEE WALKER OWEN D WATSON SYDNEY ALEXIS WHEELER AXTON BLAZED WHITE LILLIE CAROLINE WHITE MEMPHIS LILO ROSE WIDGER ISABELLA JAYNE WILLIAMS KAYLEE JUNE WILSON CONNER LUCAS WINDOM AVYN WINDOVER CRUZ WILL WINN JET RAE WINN TINLEY MARIE WINN GEORGIA KAYE WOOD SHAUN WILLIAM WYLDE WOODS DONAVEN WRIGHT-VASQUEZ RYLEE ANN YARBROUGH ALEXIS GRACE ANNA YORK JOSHUA COLTON YORK BRYLEE MARIE YOUNT KASSANDRA RAE ZABEL WILLIAM XANDER KAMRON ZINN

NHS/NJHS SPRING 2025 INDUCTEES NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES PHILANDER DELANO AKINS FARAH ISMAT ALMOUHTASEB HAYDEN RILEYRENEE ARMSTRONG CHERISH BAHR JANA MAHMOUD BARAKAT JAMES THOMAS BEAUCHAMP HERMIONE SUE BEENE SAMANTHA JEAN BELL BREYA KATHERINE BENNETT KNATIYAH BENTZ ELIJAH BRICE BERG DAISY DANIELLE BICE DELIA JO BIRDSONG ELI BRAXTON DAVIS BLUMENTHAL EDEN MARA BOGGS HALEY LEEANN BOLINGER ZEBADEE BOTTOMS MACIE JEWEL BOWSER MICHAELA NICOLE BRADLEY GAVIN ANDREW BRADY BELLA REIN BRANHAM AIDEN JAMES BREND ZAYNE XAVIER BRINKLEY ROSSEN AMIEL BROOKS RHYDER JAMES BROWN CIARA KAY BRUMMETT SHAMAJAE BRUNER BELLA RUTH BUCKNER

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BRADYN DWANE GARRISON CHARLI ANN GASPARD OLIVER MICHAEL GORDON SIMON ASHER GORDON MYLELA CHEYENNE GRANT CALIN DANIEL GRAY TAELYN AVERY GRAY KENZIE BLAIR HEESOON GRISHAM ARIANA ELIZABETH HAGEMEIER AUBREY HAINES ETHAN MICHAEL HALE MADILYN NOEL HARRELL COLE GRAY HARVEY ELLIS MORGAN HAVER SUMAYA SA’AD HAYLE LOGAN SCOTT HENDREN PEREGRINE JANE HIGGINS ILA CHRISTINA HILBERT J’NAE AMERIE HISHAW GRACI ANN HOLLAND EMILY GRACE HUFHINES HANNELORE SIGMUNDE USCHI JACOBSON JOSIAH IZELL JOHNSON KENNAH JANAE JOHNSON PIERCE AARON JOHNSON RACHEL DESTINY JONES SHAWNNA GIA JONES

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NICHOLAS PELIZZONI EMMA JO MORGAN PENROD GRACIE KAY PETTY CLARA MARIE PEWITT KAEDIN ENRICO PINEDA GWENDOLYN ROSE PORTIS ISABEL RAJAN ATALIE RAY SHAYLYNNE MARIE RICKERT ABBY GRACE ROBERTSON JAYCEE RAE ROUTON PAYGE ADDISON RUPLE BLAINE SAAK KELSEY SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ NAYLAH NOEL-LYNN SCHRAAD KYNLEE ALYSE SCHULTHEIS DESMOND CRISTOPHER SCHULTZ ANDREW LANE SCOTT ANITA RACHEL SCOTT EZRA AIDEN SHEPHARD TYLER SHRABEL PEYTON NICOLE SKINNER TATIONA RASHAI SMILEY ADRIANA ISABEL SOTELO SIDNEY RAYDELL SPANEL JONATHAN DAVID SPECHT KATHRYN DARBY STAFFORD NICHOLAS ANTHONY STAUDT

HALLIE KAY STEFFEY CALEB ALLEN STEPHENS ADDY GRACE STIPES ASHER BENJAMIN SULLIVAN ELIAS RAY SUTTERFIELD HOLLY TYLER SWANSON EMALYN DAWN TERRY LUKE PHILIP TERRY OWEN CARL TERRY EMILEE N THOMAS MADDISON ANN THOMPSON JOSHUA JAMES WYATT TILLEY JENNIFER ELAINE TREVINO KALENA TROUPE KENNAH LYNNE TRUJILLO ALLIE NICOLE UNSELL TYLER ALEXANDRIA VANDIVER PEYTON MARIE WALKER EZEKIEL JAMES WEHR AIDAN WHALIN ATTIKUS JAMES WHOMBLE ADDYSON ELISABETH WILLIAMS RHYS KARAH WILLIAMS BRADYN MICHAEL WILSON ZANIYAH MARIA WOODARD JACOB RAYMOND ZANDER

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS:

A KEY TO EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND SUCCESS In today’s world, building and maintaining healthy relationships is more important than ever. Whether between parents and children, classmates or within communities, healthy relationships are the foundation for emotional well-being, personal growth and success. For both parents and students, understanding how to foster respect, communication and empathy can help everyone thrive.

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For Parents: As the first role models in your child’s life, your actions speak louder than words. Building healthy relationships at home sets the tone for future relationships in your child’s life.

Here are a few tips for parents: Model Respect and Kindness: More often than not, children learn how to treat others by observing their parents. Show them what respect looks like through your words and actions, both in how you speak to them and to others.

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings.

Listening without judgment fosters trust and helps build a strong emotional connection.

• Teach Healthy Boundaries: Boundaries are an essential part of all relationships. Encourage your child to understand and set boundaries, both with family and peers, and help them recognize the importance of respecting others’ boundaries.

• Promote Empathy: Help your child see things from other people’s perspectives. This teaches emotional intelligence and helps them build deeper, more understanding relationships with others.

•

For Students: As you navigate school, friendships and your personal growth, learning how to build healthy relationships is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Here’s how you can cultivate positive and meaningful connections: Respect Others: Treating others with kindness and understanding makes all the difference. Practice active listening and being considerate of people’s feelings, thoughts, and opinions.

• Set and Honor Boundaries: Know your limits and be clear about your needs.

Respect the boundaries of others and don’t be afraid to communicate when something makes you uncomfortable.

• Be Honest and Open: Good relationships are built on trust. Be honest with your friends, family and teachers, and share what’s on your mind in a respectful way. Vulnerability helps others understand and support you better.

• Seek Support When Needed: No one has to face challenges alone. If you’re struggling with a relationship, don’t hesitate to talk to a parent, teacher, counselor or another trusted adult.

They can offer guidance and support.

•

Why It Matters: Healthy relationships don’t just make life easier, they empower us to be the best versions of ourselves. When we feel safe, respected, and understood, we are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether it’s a conversation with a family member or a supportive friendship at school, each positive interaction contributes to our well-being and happiness.

Let’s work together to build a culture of respect, kindness, and understanding.

Healthy relationships aren’t just a goal – they’re the key to creating a happier and more successful future for everyone.

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COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS COLLEGE PATHWAY TEL: It is time to plan ahead! If you are a 9th-12th grader and are interested in earning college credit, consider taking TEL courses!

Let your Epic teacher know now for the fall 2025 semester!

ECA: Epic Collegiate Academy applications for fall are open! If you will be a 9th, 10th or 11th grader in fall 2025 and are interested in earning a significant amount of college credit for no out-of-pocket costs, please apply here

by May 9.

Area College: New, exciting low-cost offering for junior and seniors!

We are excited to announce that Rogers State University is offering concurrent classes – online or on campus – to eligible Epic juniors and seniors for only $20 per credit hour! This does not include any required books or materials. If you have questions please email Shannon Starr: shannon.starr@ epiccharterschools.org.

RSU ONLINE CATALOG

RSU COURSE CATALOG

College Planning: Attention college-bound seniors! Please ensure your college admission application list is updated on the Colleges I’m Applying To page in your Naviance account.

Also, you may request the submission of your official high school transcript to any college.

Instructions are available on page 15 of the College Planning Resource Guide.

For assistance with Naviance updates or transcript requests, please contact College Planning Counselor Brianna Strickler at brianna.strickler@epiccharterschools.org.

If you’re a senior and need help with collegerelated matters before graduation, consider joining the 12th Grade College Planning Support Open Office Hour via Zoom from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, May 16.

Attention 11th grade students! Join us for the College Planning Tips for Rising Seniors Zoom session on Thursday, May 15 from 2-3 p.m. This session will cover key steps to take this summer and early in your senior year to prepare for the college admissions process.

Many colleges are still accepting admission applications for the fall 2025 semester! Tulsa Community College and Rose State College are making it easier than ever to attend college with free application submissions and assured admission. If you’re considering college after high school, apply today to begin your journey!

STEPS TO ENROLL AND APPLY

Tulsa Community College Admission Application.

Rose State College Admission Application.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT AND THE LEARNING FUND

May 15| 11th Grade Support: College Planning Tips for Rising Seniors | 2-3 p.m. | Zoom

Students entering the 8th or 9th grade are invited to join Oral Roberts University STEM Summer Camp for math, science, & 14

engineering. The five-day event will take place June 9-13. Fill out an application today! If you have questions please email Kerri Ophus at kophus@oru.edu.

May 16 | 12th Grade College Planning Support: Open Office Hour | 11 a.m.-noon | Zoom

Summer Camps: University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Central Oklahoma Oklahoma City University Northeastern State University Northern Oklahoma College Tulsa Community College Oral Roberts University University of Tulsa Northwestern Oklahoma State University Missouri University of Science and Technology Scholarships: Seniors, it’s not too late to take advantage of the following scholarship programs at various partnering colleges in our community: Tulsa Achieves at TCC | Pays for up to 100% of tuition and fees for graduating high school seniors living in Tulsa County.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS CAREER PATHWAY Internships/WBL: Make this summer count and gain real-world work experience!

If you’re ready to boost your resume, build your skills and stand out from the crowd This summer, don’t just pass the time—invest in your future. Summer work experience can provide you with: • • • •

Hands-on learning in a real-world environment.

Professional connections and mentorship.

Stronger applications for college, jobs and internships.

Confidence in your career direction.

Ticket to Rose Scholarship at Rose State College | Students who live in the following school districts are eligible: Carl Albert High School, Choctaw High School, Del City High School, Midwest City High School, or Star Spencer High School. $2,000 Epic Graduate Scholarship at Oklahoma Christian University | All Epic graduates receive an automatic $2,000 per year tuition scholarship. $2,000 Epic Graduate Tuition Waiver at Southwestern Christian University | All Epic graduates receive an automatic $2,000 per year tuition scholarship.

Juniors: you have until June 30 to complete and submit your Oklahoma’s Promise Application.

Search opportunities in Naviance. Many options have flexible schedules and roles tailored for students and early career explorers. Make your summer a launchpad for success! Your future self will thank you.

Hours worked over the summer can be applied to a fall semester internship or Work-Based Learning course!!

May 14 | Internship & Work Based Learning Assignment Workshop | 3-4:30 p.m. | Zoom Virtual Internship: Start planning your next steps now and discover the Virtual Internship program! Whether you want to build career skills, explore new interests or strengthen your resume, this course is for you. Open to juniors and seniors, the Virtual Internship program helps you develop modern skills while diving into real-world careers.

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The Certification Track of Epic’s Virtual Internship gives juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn an industry-backed professional certification, a nationally recognized credential that proves you’ve got the skills employers are looking for.

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CareerTech programs offer hands-on learning and real-world skills — but spots can be competitive! Most programs are open to juniors and seniors but students apply the year before they want to attend. Some applications open as early as September.

Start exploring the programs offered at your Choose from 18 career-ready certifications. local technology center. Finding the right tech Gain real-world experience and career center in your area is key. Use this tool to find knowledge. your CareerTech district: Find My Tech District.

Stand out in job interviews and college applications.

Earn a credential that never expires and travels with you through life.

Graduate feeling prepared, confident and competitive.

Also, check out this flyer for a snapshot of what CareerTech is all about: CareerTech Overview Flyer. The earlier you start exploring, the more options you’ll have. Don’t wait!

These certifications open doors, build your resume and give you a head start in your future career. Whether you’re headed to college, trade school or plan to go straight into the workforce, learn more about what certifications are available here.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS TRANSITION SERVICES Congratulations to all of our graduating students! This is such an incredible accomplishment, and we’re all so proud of you.

As you start planning for life after graduation, don’t forget Epic’s Transition Services team is here to help. Whether you want to talk through your next steps now or sometime this summer, we’re happy to meet with you.

Click below to schedule an appointment.

SCHEDULE NOW

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LANSFORD NOMINATED FOR STUDENT OF THE YEAR BY SOUTH OKC CHAMBER Epic senior Emma Lansford was named a Student of the Year nominee by the South OKC Chamber of Commerce at an April 22 banquet honoring outstanding students and educators. Lansford is one of 16 students to be nominated.

Epic Superintendent Bart Banfield congratulated Lansford, calling her a shining example of student excellence.

“To be nominated for such an honor by the South OKC Chamber is a testament to Emma’s commitment to herself and her school by displaying the qualities of leadership and dedication that Epic stands for,” Banfield said. “Being recognized by community leaders for her achievements speaks volumes about who she is, and I couldn’t be more proud of her efforts.”

The event brought together more than 350 attendees from schools and business leaders to acknowledge the role schools play in economic development and quality of life, and honored students, teachers and staff.

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END THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR

EPIC’S SECOND-ANNUAL COLOR RUN GETS BIGGER Epic Charter Schools’ Annual Color Run is back for its second year and is combining with the traditional End-of-Year Celebration on May 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Dr., in Edmond. The tandem event seeks to get Epic families excited about exercise and to celebrate as the 2024-25 school year nears its end.

“It’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of people to do both of these events,” said Marsha Martin, Epic’s family engagement healthy habits specialist. “So, this year, it just made sense to have them both in the same place.”

In addition to both events being combined, this is the first year Epic is including Learning Fund vendors. Nearly 20 vendors showcasing everything from tutoring to dance will be on hand offering demonstrations, activities, candy, and prizes. Also, there will be a DJ and student performers from Epic’s Got Talent.

“It’s just a time for families to come out and celebrate, meet other Epic families, meet new vendors and wrap up the year, said Shannon George, Epic’s family engagement social activities specialist.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with the Color Run, which offers either a 5K or one-mile

walk/run, with the End-of-Year Celebration starting at noon. The day’s itinerary and registration link can be found HERE. There will be food trucks – including New York Dog House & Italian Kitchen, Some Like It Tot and Kona Ice – for families to purchase refreshments.

Martin emphasized the event is an excellent opportunity for Epic families to socialize and meet teachers, fellow students, principals and others who may have never met face-toface.

“It’s not just for students,” she said. “We want everyone to come out and have a great time.”

The walk/run events are wheelchair and stroller accessible as the course is completely paved. During a Color Run, which is a noncompetitive event, runners are showered with colored powder at various points along the course.

For more information or if you have questions about the Color Run, contact marsha. martin@epiccharterschools.org or shannon. george@epiccharterschools.org regarding the End-of-Year Celebration.

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ENJOY SOME FUN HIGHLIGHTS FROM A NIGHT OF

Hollywood Glamour

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR READERS FOR A FANTASTIC 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR! THE ORBIT WILL BE BACK IN AUGUST WITH MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND YOU AT EPIC!

EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS