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.”
said years of observing what students need on their big day have allowed the ceremonies to become full-service, student-centered, literal red-carpet events that are true celebrations of accomplishment.
These days, Watson and her Events team are prepared for almost anything, and if they’re not, they most certainly will be next time. Everything from clothing steamers, full-length mirrors, eye drops, safety pins, nail glue, stain sticks and even boxes of flip-flops for shoe emergencies are now standard equipment at every graduation ceremony.
“It all stems from a situation where something went wrong,” Watson said. “If that one, small thing is standing between you and having a great graduation experience, we want to do whatever we can to remove that problem.”
She also said that her hyperfocus 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 opportunity to help, the vendor representative spoke to the student and was ultimately able to gather enough donations to help her get into an apartment and furnish it.
“They’re still friends and every 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 every 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 difficult day to plan from start to finish but because there are so many people involved now, it comes together as stress-free as possible for everyone,” he said. “The things Serena and her team have organized as the years have come along are amazing.”
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
BENJAMIN PIERCE CLOUD
RYAN MASON COFFEE
IAN CRUZ COMBS
MADELYN ANN CONE
ANNABELLA BLISS COOPER
OLIzVIA IRENE COPIER
CAMILA CORNEJO ISLAS
COY WAYNE COTTLE
GRANT COLEMAN COTTON
CHEYENNE FAITH CRUZE
LAIKLYNN MARIE CULLIPHER
TRISTYN L CUMMINGS
KE’ALOHILANI MICHAELA
CZLONKA
ESTHER LENEE DAVILA
EMBER RUBYJEAN DEAL
ANBERLIN ROSE DEUTSCH
ELLA RUTH DEVORSS
SEBASTIAN JAMES DORMAN
BLAKE MATHEW DOTSON
JACKSON DOTSON
CHLOE JANE DOWNING
ASHLYN DUFFEY
JAIDYN DUFFEY
TABITHA ESTHER-WILLOW DUGAS
CASH KING DUNBAR
AIDEN DEWAYNE ELLIS
JAYCE ALEXANDER UCHECHI ENI
ARSEN ESCOBEDO
PRESCOTT DOYAL ESKUE
SAMUEL D ESTRADA
MILO SEAN FAVERO
BOSTON FERRELL
JONAH FICKAS
ZANDER ISAACK FLORES
JAXON CASE FOREMAN
BRAYLIN CHANELLE FREELING
LILIEN JUNE FOREST FRY
JAZLYNN ILIANA GARCIA
GABRIEL W GARONE
KENNEDY BEVA GRAHAM
HENSLEY ELYSE GRAY
MAKENZIE DANIELLE GRENIER
MAKSIM D GRISHIN
CHARLEE JACELYN GULICK
HAYDEN BROCK GULICK
BRAYDEN LEE GWIN
JULIETTE CALEILAH HADDOX
ELAINA HAGEMEIER
CAYDEN LANE HALL
LANDEN SHAD HALL
AVA HARRISON
WILLIAM HATFIELD
SEANNA HAWKINS
CARSEN LUKE HERRICK
IAN BLAINE HESS
JOURNEY BRYCEN HILL
VONTEVIOUS DULAYNE HILL
REMINGTON JAMES HOCKENBROCK
AXYL D HOLMAN
ROMAN BUCK HOLT
CAMDEN REESE HOPKINS
NOAH GABRIEL JAMES HOWELL
SOPHIA CAROL HOWELL
HAFSA SAD HUSSEIN
OLIVIA MARIE IHBE
REID JACOBI
TAMIA LASHAY JENKINS
GAVIN JOHNSON
GREENLY ELIZABETH JORDAN
LINDYN JAE KAMMAN
MORGAN KASTNER
HUNTER CHANCE KEEL
DANIKA JEAN KELLER
TYSTON BRADLEY KELLEY
ELLIOTT GRACE KEMP
MADELINE KENT
ISABELLA DESTINY KING
CARTER CARSON KOLPIN
JAMES BRUCE KRIEGER
DANE CHRISTOPHER KUYKENDALL
GRACIE MAY KUYKENDALL
JUDAH KEKOA LANCASTER
HARRISON LANE
CHLOE ELAINE LANIER
JASON LARA
BRISBYN RAIN LAWRENSON
DIXIE ANN LEE
JACKIE ANNA GRACE LIPPOLDT
ZACHARIAH LYNNI
MYA LISA MARIE MACK
BRYCESON TR MALMBERG
ARIEL ANNE ELIZABETH MANDEL
CORBIN MARDONES
MIKAYLA R MARKHAM
KEIRSTEN LANEE MARTINDALE
HOLLAND KATE MASSIE
PAXTON COLE MASSIE
HALLIE MARIE MCCARTNEY
ALYSSA CHEYENNE MCCHRISTIAN
DYLAN REED MCKINLEY
ALEXIA LYN MCNUTT
BRYSON WADE MCNUTT
JAXSON WILLIAM MIGHT
CALEB KODUAH MILLER
CHRISTIAN KODUAH MILLER
JILLIAN GRACE MILLER
LIAM CHASE-HOULIHAN MILLIGAN
EMMA LEANN MOLENHOUR
SEBASTIAN ENRIQUE MONTOYA
KATELYN ISABEL MOOKRAM
NICHOLAS OAKEN-LAYNE MOSS
LANDON PATRICK MURPHY
STEVIE NICOLE MARIE MYERS
AIDEN RENE NAGEL-WILLIS
MADDOX JACK NANCE
ANABELLE TAYLOR NELSON
EMILY NOLAN
AVERY ELIZABETH OLSTAD
IZZEE BELLE OREAR
EMIT LEE ORR
DAVID HECTOR ORTIZ-CARILLO JR
GABRIEL ALEXANDER ORTIZCARRILLO
MICHAEL ANGELO ORTIZ-CARRILLO
PRISCILLA MARIE PACHECO
CALLUM STEWART PARNELL
TAVISH GABRIEL PARNELL
KARYSSA LEE PEMBROOK
ASHER WILLIAM PICKENS
MILO PITCHER
ALIVIA GRACE RALYNN PLUMLEE
DAVID PORT
LILLY MAY PORTER
BRADEN ADAM MICHAEL QUINN
IMMANUEL RAJAN
MAKAYLA JOANN RANSOM
ANNABELLE JOY REICH
BRETT DAVID REICH
LUCAS RICHARD REJMAN
ADDISON FAYE RICH
KING LORAND RICHEY
AMAYA RODRIGUEZ
KAROL ROMERO
DEREK ALAN RUSH
MICHAELANGELO SALDANA
ANTHONY SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ
HAILEY SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ
LOGAN FAITH SCAVO
LINCOLN CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
MATTHEW CARL SEIBEL
GENEVA ZARA SHARIF
GABRIELLA ESTHER SHERIDAN
KENYON SILER
OLLIE R’HEE SIMONETTI-WILLIAMS
ZOE KAY SMITH
JEYTON LEON STIPES
ASHLYNN GRACE STRAUB
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
ALAYNA PAIGE BURNETTE
FAITH CAROLYN CAFFEY
COLE JACKSON CATHEY
BRIAN CHARLES CHANEY
LYDIA GRACE CHILDERS
JUDI HIBA CHOUBAN
BRYANNT KERYM CONTRERAS
LOPEZ
EMMA COOK
ASHARI CRAFT
CHARITY NICOLE CUSHMAN
WYATT A DEAN
SARINA DELANEY
KATY ROSE DENBY
CAYDEN RYAN DESHAZO
SARAH MAE DOLPH
PRESLEY DANIELLE DUKE
DREW CARSON ECKEL
SARAH CATHERINE EDWARDS
MADISON EUBANK
PRISCILLA LYNN EVANS
JOSHUA FALLAH
BAILEY LYNN JADE FITZPATRICK
SHANACI YVETTE FLEMING
ZANE MICHAEL FOOTE
KADEE JO FRIAR
KELTON FRY
GABRIEL ENRIQUE GALINDO
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
SHAILEE ANN KANAUGH
GABRIELLE ALEXYS KEFFER
IMMANUEL DAVID KELLEY
JACOB MICHAEL KELLY
ZAKARIYA MAHMOUD KHAIMI
JADEN TAYLOR KING
AVERY KINNEY
BELLA ELIZABETH KLINGENSMITH
KENNETH DOMINICK KOTTRE
ANNA ELIZABETH KRATOCHVIL
LAWRENCE GAGE LADD
HUDSON BRASEY LYNAM
ARICA DE ANN MAHAFFEY
KENDAL ANN MALILONG
SAMANTHA MARSHALL
MARY MARGARET MARTIN
JACKSON MARSHALL MATTHEWS
AVA MADELYN MCCLELLAND
JAYCIE MARIE MERTS
ZANDER JACKSON MISZEWSKI
JOSIAH NIKITA MOON
JAYCEE ANTHINETTE MORRIS
JADEN KYLER MORROW
AUTUMN JOY MURPHY
JAMIE LYNN OBRIEN
KATHRYN CAYENNE ORTEGA
JAYDEN LUIS PAGAN
ELLIOT LEE PATMON
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tulsa Community College Admission Application. Rose State College Admission Application.
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, & 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
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.
• Choose from 18 career-ready certifications.
• Gain real-world experience and career knowledge.
• 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.
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 .
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 local technology center. Finding the right tech center in your area is key. Use this tool to find your CareerTech district: Find My Tech District .
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!
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.
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.
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!
