Attending trade school or enlisting in the military? We'll tell you what to expect.
An Epic student's mission to save gerbils. How her critter cause began.
INSIDE THE COMET
Virtual doctor visits for Epic students. How to sign up when you're sick.
Epic student dominates cornhole. Her journey as a professional athlete.
'Sephora Kids' and the dangers of influencers. How to protect your child.
Epilepsy is misunderstood and common. One Epic family's story.
One Epic student's passion to rescue gerbils • Harrison Favero • 4
The transition to trade school: What to expect • Layla Blockcolski • 6
The misunderstood, hidden costs of Epilepsy • Kaylee Steer • 7
Toys aren't just playthings, they're memory-makers • Epic photography students • 8
Pets aren't just companions, they're part of the family • Epic photography students • 9
Newly licensed teens are accident-prone. We look at the stats on teen driving • Jericho Warner • 10
An OKC man's journey from a Nebraska farm to the Air Force • Kinzie Click • 12
INSIDE THE COMET
Cover photo: Taylor Ensey
Table of Contents photo: Caitlyn Herkert
Farewell letter photo: Jacob Starkey
Epic's Luiz Ortiz-Barreto understands military service. What his time in uniform can teach us • Cya'Lyce Harris • 13
Epic's improvements in reading and math scores, explained • Joshlyn McKey • 14
Connecting with students' Native American heritage at Epic • Norah Hutchison • 16
Spring is in bloom • Epic photography students • 17
Taking a mental health break from social media • Rylee Byers • 18
'Sephora Kids' and the dangers of online influencers • Hollyn Kamman • 20
Online doctor visits for sick Epic students • Shamajae Bruner • 22
Oklahoma's evolving music scene • Bristol Mealor • 23
Immigration in the Sooner State • Amy Martinez-Reynolds • 24
Finding your place as a multiracial student • Jamie O'Brien • 26
An Epic student's domination in an unusual sport • Joshlyn McKey & Harrison Favero • 28
Epic Game Club brings Tulsa Learning Center students together • Tulsa Learning Center Junior High Journalism students • 30
A weatherman's weatherman: Rick Scott with the National Weather Service • Madison Horton • 31
What we've learNed from eNN
When I joined the Epic News Network in my junior year, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I enjoyed writing, but journalism was unfamiliar to me. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I can say without hesitation that being part of this program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school years.
Over the past two years, ENN has taught me far more than just the basics of reporting. I’ve developed strong writing skills, learned how to communicate more clearly, and discovered the importance of listening actively and asking important questions. I’ve gained experience working under deadlines, collaborating with a team and revising my work until it’s the best it can be. These are all skills that will serve me well, not only in college but throughout life.
One of the most valuable things I’ve taken away from this experience is a stronger confidence in my own voice. Through ENN, I’ve learned how to express myself more effectively, both on paper and in conversation. As I move forward and pursue an English major, I know that everything I’ve learned here about storytelling, writing and clear communication will continue to empower me.
To any new or future members of ENN: take every opportunity to learn. Be curious, be open to feedback and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Not every article will be perfect, and that’s OK because growth comes from the process.
I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent in this program and proud of the work we’ve done together. It’s been a meaningful part of my high school years, and I’ll carry the lessons and memories with me as I take the next step.
— Norah hutchisoN
Senioritis, deadlines and growing up. Bulldozing through the last stretches of my senior year, I look past the stress of wrapping up this chapter of my life to spotlight my gratification of being able to contribute to The Comet.
Over the past two years I’ve been involved with Epic’s curricular journalism, I’ve learned what it means to be a writer, reporter and member of The Comet beginning from Intro to Journalism to Desktop Publishing.
I am eternally proud to help produce an issue that highlights current issues, the wonders of Epic and stories that cover personal identity beyond academics — to be given the freedom to translate everything I’ve learned about journalism (ethics, AP Style) onto this award-winning publication.
Although this edition is the culmination of hard work spanning the entire state of Oklahoma, it is a symbol of collaboration and consistent hard work.
It is an indication of just how little distance matters when it comes to a group project incentivized by the desire to report, interview, produce and learn with each other. And it evolves every year.
I hope you have as much fun reading through this issue as I had taking part in it.
— Jamie o'BrieN
Caitlyn's critter crusade
HOW ONE EPIC STUDENT DEVELOPED A PASSION FOR SOME OF NATURE'S SMALLEST CREATURES
STORY BY HARRISON FAVERO
PHOTOS BY CAITLYN HERKERT EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Deep in the heart of Oklahoma, amidst a world of social media rescues and unexpected adventures, Epic’s Caitlyn Herkert is running what might be the quirkiest operation in the Sooner State: an unofficial gerbil rescue.
Or, as she calls it, “a labor of love, cardboard and sunflower seeds.”
It all started five years ago when then- 10-year-old Herkert decided to rescue gerbils, a passion ignited by her mom’s childhood tales of gamboling gerbils and hamsters. But what began with a modest ambition to save six gerbils from a Missouri shelter snowballed into a full-blown rescue mission of her own. Since then, Herkert has saved and rehomed over 50 gerbils.
They’re a part of her family now. And Herkert fits naturally into the unexpected role as gerbil whisperer and evangelist.
“People just don’t know what to do with gerbils,” Herkert said. “One lady was going to let her gerbils loose outside, which is terrible for them. Gerbils aren’t exactly equipped for Oklahoma weather.”
Herkert says this with straight-faced earnestness — but, honestly, did you really know that gerbils weren’t made for Oklahoma weather? They’re not mice, like the kind your neighbor chases out of his garage. They’re domesticated companions. Herkert’s goal is for people to see them that way.
The interstate gerbil retrieval kick-started Herkert’s mission, though she admits gerbil rescue comes with unique challenges.
MORE THAN JUST RESCUE: A MISSION
For Herkert, saving gerbils goes beyond finding them new homes. It’s about raising awareness and showing people that these tiny creatures deserve as much care and attention as any other pet.
“I want people to know that gerbils aren’t just ‘starter pets.’ They’re smart, social and really funny once you get to know them,” she said.
Her dedication doesn’t stop at rehoming. Herkert spends hours ensuring her gerbils are properly cared for and matched with safe adopters. “I always check people’s social media profiles before rehoming a gerbil,” she said. “If I’m unsure, I’ll even take the gerbil to their house just to make sure that it’s a good environment.”
Her mission has touched more lives than just the gerbils’. One family who adopted a pair of gerbils for their young daughter said the pets had “brought the family closer together,” Herkert recalled. Stories like these remind her why she does what she does.
CHALLENGES OF A RODENT RESCUER
Finding homes for the little critters isn’t always smooth sailing. Some adopters aren’t quite what they seem.
“I’ve had people try to adopt gerbils to feed them to their snakes,” she said. Herkert was quick to point out that gerbils are actually a no-no for snakes and are surprisingly bad snakesnacks — gerbils can be aggressive toward snakes or even harmful to their health.
A partnership with an Edmond exotic animal veterinarian has been a lifeline. The doctor once treated a paralyzed gerbil who was having leg spasms, a moment Herkert still remembers.
“That was my first time taking a gerbil to the vet,” she said.
Another time, she brought in a gerbil with teeth so long they were starting to grow into its mouth. Fun fact: Gerbils need cardboard to chew on, or their teeth turn into tiny tusks of doom (cue the ominous dun-dun-dun sound effect).
FROM MITTENS TO CUDDLES
Each gerbil comes with its own individual quirks. Some have a penchant for drama. Herkert has names for all her rescues, but few are as memorable as Mr. Mittens, a black gerbil with white paws who made his way into her life after being rescued from a snake’s hungry jaws. Then there’s Nicholas, the escape artist who decided that life on a bookshelf just really wasn’t for him. He made a daring, midnight escape but didn’t get very far — eventually getting stuck behind said bookshelf. Herkert later found him
there the next morning.
As Herkert moves forward, she hopes her rescue will inspire others to see gerbils in a new light.
“They’re like little acrobats,” she said. “If you leave a cage open for 10 seconds, they’re gone!”
To counter their Houdini tendencies, she houses most of her gerbils in aquariums instead of traditional wire cages. “Aquariums are harder to escape from, but they still plot,” she joked.
“I want people to realize how much value these little animals bring,” she said. “They’re not just pets; they’re companions, with personalities and quirks just like any other animal.”
Herkert even has a sign for her “gerbil room” that warns visitors of potential scheming.
BIG PLANS, BIGGER DREAMS
Herkert’s favorite part of rescuing is seeing sheer joy on tiny faces when they enter their new homemade setups. “They go from these cramped cages to a big tank with new foods and toys,” she said. One rescued gerbil, who had lived off rat food for weeks, lit up when introduced to sunflower seeds, Cheerios and even baby food puffs.
Running a rescue while balancing school is no easy feat, but Herkert handles it with poise. “Most of the gerbil work gets done on the weekends or at night,” she said. With 28 gerbils currently in her care, she dedicates hours each week to cleaning cages, checking adoption posts and selling items on Facebook Marketplace to fund their needs.
I want people to realize how much value these little animals bring.
— Caitlyn Herkert
Though her time as a gerbil rescuer may wind down as she transitions into her journey into college and practicing medicine, Herkert remains optimistic that the legacy of her rescue will continue.
But her future stretches far beyond her rescue efforts. Currently working toward an associate's degree through Epic Collegiate Academy, Herkert plans to become a pediatric neurosurgeon.
“I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 5,” she said. “Rescuing gerbils has taught me responsibility and the importance of helping others, even the smallest among us.”
For now, her life revolves around gerbils — and she wouldn't have it any other way. From building cardboard mazes to dealing with adoption drama, Herkert's days are filled with furry hijinks and heartfelt moments.
“I once had five gerbils sitting in a circle like they were having a meeting. They’re so much funnier and more unique than people realize,” she said.
THE FUTURE OF GERBIL RESCUE
A MOTHER'S PRIDE
Ashley Herkert's pride is obvious when she discusses her daughter's commitment and compassion.
"They take up a lot of her free time, and she has always put them first before her own desires. Since she is financially responsible for them, she often goes without things a normal teenager desires and has put their needs first for several years now. She began saving at age 9 and hasn’t stopped once to care for herself first," Ashley Herkert said.
But even though she is proud of her daughter, nothing could have prepared her early on for how it would be to share her house with dozens of gerbils.
"I never imagined that it would grow to this proportion," she said.
Her daughter must, at times, turn away potential rescue gerbils, but her good deeds don't end there.
"She has gone to people’s homes, helping them separate gerbils by sex so they can’t reproduce again," Ashley Herkert said, explaining that people often buy two gerbils they think are the same sex, only to come home a few months later to find a litter of babies.
Scan the QR code for more information on Caitlyn Herkert's gerbil rescue, her mother's stories of living in a gerbil household, and what you need if you plan on following in the family's footsteps and start rescuing gerbils. Also, check out a photo gallery of some of her best gerbil photography at epicnewsnetwork.org.
'TRADING' COLLEGE FOR A CAREER
WHY TECHNICAL EDUCATION SHOULD BE ON STUDENTS' RADAR
STORY BY LAYLA BLOCKCOLSKI
PHOTO BY ABBY CONN EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Many students grow up with the belief that spending four (or more) years in college equals lifelong success, and anything else means you weren’t good enough.
It’s the route schools, parents and society as a whole often push.
But it’s not the only way to get ahead, and it’s not even the best way for many students.
What often gets overlooked is how valuable alternative paths like trade schools can be for students who have different interests, strengths and career goals.
Not every student learns the same way or wants the same things, and they are definitely not meant to walk the same road. The path to success doesn’t look the same for everyone; there are a multitude of routes open to students.
It’s a common misconception that every good job requires a four-year college degree.
The more a student can understand about themselves and what they want to do as far as a career, I think that helps them understand which direction to go.
— Anita Manuel
to learn skills specific to their careers and interests, and enter the workforce sooner. In these cases, trade schools offer an alternative that is worth considering.
From television personality Mike Rowe’s “Dirty Jobs” to economic reports that show workers in blue-collar industries earning healthy paychecks, attention to trade schools is on the rise. Electricians and plumbers earn a median salary of around $62,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trade schools, often known as vocational or technical schools, are institutions that provide hands-on, career-focused training for a specific industry. Unlike traditional colleges, which usually require students to take a wide range of general education classes, trade schools dive straight into teaching the skills and knowledge needed for a specific career.
Many careers offer excellent pay, job security and growth opportunities without requiring a bachelor’s degree.
Anita Manuel oversees work-based learning and internships for Epic Charter Schools. She explained that college wrongly stands as the best and only path to success. Students often think they have no chance of having a high-paying job or a successful life if they don’t go to college.
“That's not the case,” Manuel said.
In some cases, a four-year college degree is neither necessary nor helpful, and may instead act as a hindrance by saddling students with extra debt and time out of the workforce completing their studies.
Not every student is going to thrive in a classroom setting that typically is focused on lectures and general education courses. Some students do well learning this way, but others may find their calling in hands-on work that will allow them
“So it’s a little bit narrower, a more intense focus on the career, where in college you’re going to get a broader experience in multiple areas,” Manuel said.
This allows students to complete their education in a shorter period of time — often two years or less — entering the workforce quickly, with practical, job-ready skills.
“I would say, at least, evaluating the options that their technology center has would be a great first step, because you're not limited,” said Hadley Walters, who oversees career-technology programs at Epic.
There are many fulfilling, stable careers that can be pursued through trade schools.
Scan the QR code to read more on vocational education, including the potential career paths, cost differences compared to completing acollegedegree,andwhatto consider if this sort of training might be right for you.
EPILEPSY'S TERRIFYING UNCERTAINTY THE NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER IS COMMON, YET MISUNDERSTOOD
One of the less frequently talked about common medical diagnoses is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes unprovoked, recurring seizures. One in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in life, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Epilepsy can make it difficult for somebody to work, have relationships, drive, and much more. There are many triggers that occur before somebody with epilepsy has a seizure, but they can all be different depending on the person. The unpredictability is part of what makes epilepsy so scary and difficult to diagnose.
“Your brain makes electricity and that is what tells your body what to do. A seizure happens when the brain’s electricity misfires and then that misfiring can spread and cause abnormal electricity in other areas of the brain as well,” explained Dr. Cherie Herren, an Oklahoma City child neurologist.
Seizures can be frightening if you don't know anything about them. My brother, Corbin, 21, has had epilepsy since he was 14. At first, we didn't even know what epilepsy was. We didn't know what was going on, so we called his seizures “episodes.” It was a scary experience for everybody. We went to doctor after doctor, and they all gave us hoax information, which made us start to lose hope. Epilepsy is scary, serious and lacking in public awareness. We learned the hard way.
“There are over 20 different kinds of seizures,” said Roxanne Cogil, executive director of Epilepsy Foundation Oklahoma. “It kind of depends on the types of seizures the person has when they tend to occur, (and) if they are controlled or uncontrolled with treatment.”
Medications are typically the first line of treatment, but those who have serious side effects or for whom the medication doesn’t work have other options.
“There are three categories of treatments outside of medications: epilepsy surgery, implanted stimulator devices or dietary therapy. If someone is not responding to medications, they should be evaluated for one of these alternative treatments,” Herren said.
Because epilepsy isn't something you can see when you look at someone who has it, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking it does not dramatically impact someone's life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those with epilepsy often have a very hard time in their daily lives, from declining mental health to not even being able to do things like keep a job.
“There is a lot of myths surrounding the condition,” Cogil said.
For one, seizures aren't necessarily what people think they are or look how people expect them to look. Some seizures are hard to notice. If you see somebody who has epilepsy but you have never seen them have a seizure, look for odd behavior rather than the classic shaking people think of when they think of seizures (although some epileptics do have these types of seizures). Seizures can be subtle. Some involve loss of control or loss of awareness. Some seizures can even be people walking just like a sleepwalker would, but they have no control in that moment. Others can seem as though the person is just “zoning out,’ when, in fact, they're having a seizure.
Herren noted some other misconceptions.
“Some people think epilepsy could be contagious, which it is not. There is also a misconception that someone could be dangerous to others during a seizure, and that is not the case. There is also an idea that someone with epilepsy can’t live a normal life, which is often not the case,” she said.
In fact, with scientists getting ever closer to finding the genetic causes of epilepsy, Herren said the future likely will see improved treatments.
“We are discovering more genes associated with epilepsy and hopefully in the future that will allow us to develop new treatments that are more targeted to the underlying cause,” she said.
Back to Corbin.
Eventually, we ended up at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. At first they misdiagnosed him, but my mother fought for them to do more tests.
Scan the QR code to read the rest of the story about Corbin Steer and his family's experience with epilepsy.
STORY AND PHOTO BY KAYLEE STEER
Photo credit: Zivah Warnemuende
Photo credit: Quiana Quillen
Photo credit: Misty Crawford
Photo credit: Cadence Anderson
Photo credit: Kaylee Steer
Photo credit: Gabe Collins
Photo credit: Esme Defenderfer
Pets aren't just companions. They're part of the family.
By Epic photography students
Photo credit: Jazmyn Quevedo
Photo credit: Navaeh Johnson
Photo credit: Zivah Warnemuende
Photo credit: Kayla Campbell
Photo credit: Mercedes Ross
Photo credit: Taylor Ensey
Photo credit: Clara Blockcolski
Background photo credit: Matt Disney
P A S S A G E F P S F
R I T E O F
T een drivers statistically
What do new drivers
or a lot of teens, getting their driver’s license is a symbol of independence. The ability to go wherever they want to go, listen to the music they like at any volume, and have a car that they can call their own all factor into the idea of independence.
But behind all of that feeling of freedom is the central truth that teen drivers get into more accidents than nearly any other age group.
Experts say one of the main problems is that teens generally don’t know the risk involved in participating in activities like texting while driving. According to the CDC, car crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens in the United States, with distractions and lack of awareness of surroundings playing huge roles.
In 2021, according to Oklahoma Highway Safety Office data, teen drivers were involved in 68 crashes in which 82 people were killed. Drivers over 65 were responsible for more car crashes and deaths, but there are far more drivers in this age group, which partly accounts for the higher totals. Teen drivers were responsible for nearly 10% of all crashes in 2021.
Epic junior and newly licensed driver Rylee Byers said she understands how teens could be unaware of how dangerous driving — and, with it, activities such as texting — can be.
“I definitely think teens are reckless,” Byers said. “There are many teens who die because they’re texting or not paying attention, and you just have to be smarter when you drive.”
Byers also said she feels teens get a sense of freedom that causes excitement but can involve a lot of risk.
“I think teens get this feeling of freedom when they get their license, and that can be dangerous if it’s not handled properly,” she added.
The Broken Arrow teen approaches driving with a centered and disciplined mindset as she keeps distractions away. Chief among these potential distractions are cellphones.
“I stay off my phone while driving. I might check the time for a second, but I don’t use it while I’m driving,” she said.
She also gave this advice to new drivers: “You just have to block out all distractions and understand that you are accountable for your surroundings, so things like not being on your phone at red lights and not doing unnecessary things like makeup will do us all better on the road.”
While many teens understand the importance of safe driving, others aren’t as knowledgeable and cautious.
Sgt. Eric Kirby, who is a traffic safety educator with the Oklahoma County Sheriff ’s Office and works with new drivers, said distractions are one of the
Illustration
statistically are accident-prone. drivers need to know to stay safe?
main causes of accidents in this age group.
“Some of the most common factors of teen car crashes are phones, messing with the radio, trying to eat while driving or friends being loud in the car," he said.
But he also pointed out that issues may run deeper than technology, something he attributed to family attitudes.
Thirty-six people were killed in 2021 in crashes that involved a teen driver who was speeding. There were 263 crashes involving speeding teen drivers.
OklahomaHighwaySafetyOffice
Photocredit:MattDisney
A teen driver was involved in 1,463 of the 9,360 crashes tracked in 2021. Eighty-two people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver that year.
OklahomaHighwaySafetyOffice
“One of the hardest things is when a teen or child makes the statement, ‘My parents never cared if they were in seatbelts, so why should I care?’ Or when they say their family thinks it’s not important, or that they’ll get hurt with or without it on, so why does it matter?” Kirby explained.
Kirby also had advice for teen drivers.
“The advice I would give is put the phones down. Make rules in your car and stay true to them,” he said. “As parents and educators, we hope that everything we talk to our kids about sticks in their mind and they stay safe while driving, but at the same time, they can teach their friends and younger family members to stay safe, too.”
At the end of the day, driving is something that people should take pride and enjoyment in. It can give that sense of freedom and accomplishment, but teens must always remember that driving comes with real responsibility that goes far beyond simply knowing the rules of the road. Making smart decisions, even when they seem small, is critical.
Whether it be turning the music down, driving with no music, putting the phone away or telling others to be more quiet when they are in your car, there are ways to block out distractions while driving.
The reality is, driving isn’t just about you. You also have a responsibility to protect everyone else who shares the road.
Illustration by John Williams / ENN
Up and away how an okc man keeps one of the nation's most important planes airborne
BY KINZIE CLICK EPIC NEWS NETWORK
reers and consider how their training will benefit them in the future.
After nearly six years in the U.S. Air Force, Keenan Ruh has experienced far more than he ever imagined when he first enlisted. Recruited with the promise of educational benefits as a way to avoid student loans,
Ruh soon found himself flourishing in the work — and finding a sense of pride and purpose in his work.
As an aircraft mechanic, or "crew chief," on E-3 Sentry airplanes, better known as the AWACS that make their home at Tinker Air Force Base, Ruh is responsible for keeping distinctive aircraft mission-capable.
They’re often among the first to be deployed when air superiority must be assured.
"I fix airplanes, swap tires, refuel, service oxygen, inspect engines… and I even get to drive the engines too," he said.
As a dedicated crew chief, Ruh has his name painted on the side of the jet he maintains — a privilege that comes with the responsibility of making the plane mission-capable at all times. He travels with the jet and is the person ultimately responsible for making sure it’s ready to go when ordered.
The military has taken him around the globe. "I've been to Vegas, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Dubai," Ruh said.
“As an aircraft mechanic, I can get certifications that’ll allow me to work on the civilian side,” he said.
He also stresses the importance of talking to different recruiters to get a better idea of what’s out there and to start training physically and mentally for basic training.
“Push-ups, sit-ups, running … and getting better at listening to lectures and taking notes.”
One of Ruh's proudest moments came recently when he was offered a job working on Air Force One, thanks to his strong record with large Boeing jets.
While the couple chose to stay in Oklahoma to ease the transition into starting a family, the offer itself was proof of his dedication and growth.
"It was a very humbling experience to know I was getting recognized for what I had done so far,” he said.
His advice to students thinking about military service?
“Just be prepared to meet anyone — from all walks of life, with different opinions and backgrounds. You’ve got to be ready to talk to and work with all kinds
Military life, however, can have its drawbacks, especially on the personal side.
With a pregnant wife and a deployment looming, he said this season will be one of the toughest. "It's going to be the most difficult one to get through right now."
Ruh grew up in a small-town in Nebraska, and the transition to military life wasn’t easy.
"It was definitely quite the adjustment," he said.
But over time, he grew into the lifestyle and now takes pride in the work and community that come with it. "Everyone comes from all corners of the world, actually –– not just the United States."
While some people may see the Air Force as less demanding than other branches, Ruh pushed back on that stereotype.
Ruh didn’t grow up with extensive mechanical experience, aside from occasionally helping his dad work on John Deere tractors.
Most of what he knows now, he learned in the Air Force.
And that’s one of the biggest takeaways from his story — what begins as uncertainty can quickly evolve into confidence, skill, and pride.
“People call it the ‘Chair Force’ because it’s seen as lavish compared to other services, but it really depends on what job you have. Maintenance? You’re probably walking 20,000 steps a day,” he said.
Preparing for the military isn’t just physical — it’s mental, too. Ruh encouraged prospective enlistees to research ca-
Epic Charter Schools has obtained the Purple Star School desig- na- tion, meaning it has programs and staff in place to ease the bur- den that children of military mem- bers face as they relocate. Epic also has a Military Club for students who are in- terested in military service or just want to learn about serving their coun- try.
Life of service
Epic's staffer's love for the army shines through in everything he does
BY CYA'LYCE HARRIS EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Epic’s Luis Ortiz-Barreto jokes that he was destined for the Army after watching G.I Joe and other cartoons that were on Saturday mornings when he was little.
The heroes wore camouflage and fought enemies bent on world domination. He understood his calling at a young age.
The impact of an '80s and '90s pop culture diet of Rambo, Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris, along with a strong interest in history and sense of duty, led Ortiz-Barreto to tell his father he was going to enlist when he was old enough. His father put him in a military-style summer program. Ortiz-Barreto immediately took to it.
He felt the call to serve his nation.
“I was in this world for that reason, just to serve and help others,” he said.
Ortiz-Barreto was in the Army Reserves and attending college when the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks happened. He had been trained in mortuary affairs. His unit was one of only five with this particular training. He was sent to San Antonio and called on for his necessary, but solemn, expertise.
ness, and how students need a source of reliable information about military service.
He said Epic’s Military Club is both a place for students to be themselves but also learn to become leaders. He mentioned how the Army is bringing back its iconic advertising tagline — “Be all you can be” — as an example of what the club is about.
Statistically, those who serve typically have had a family member serve. But given that only 6% of Americans have served in the military, these connections are growing scarcer. This leads to misconceptions among some students who consider military service.
Ortiz-Baretto addressed some of these misconceptions.
The first misconception is that military service pays too little.
“They get pretty good pay… they get pretty good benefits,” Ortiz-Barreto explained. Obviously pay depends on job and rank, but he said the military takes pretty good care of its people.
The 9/11 attacks strengthened his commitment to the Army.
“It was something that changed the way that I was looking into the military, and I think that triggered me to switch to active duty. The event impacted my life. It was, it was pretty shocking,” he recalled.
Memorabilia from his Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) line his home-office walls. One of them is particularly special. It’s a prayer rug hanging on his wall that an Iraqi general gave to him after a harrowing mission.
“I lost my best friend in Iraq, but I was able to survive, come back and tell the story,” he said.
A second misconception is that people think they won’t have enough time to see family. He said that’s not the case. Unless a person is deployed, military service can be similar to any other job, and the military works hard to connect families to one another and offer activities.
After leaving the military, Ortiz-Barreto came to Epic, where he oversees the Military Club and district efforts to connect with military families. Ortiz-Barreto is now Epic Charter Schools’ military liaison. Among his other duties is to help advise students who are interested in military service.
“Epic is moving in the right direction right now,” he said, explaining how military awareness ties into career readi-
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that enlisting means you’ll be putting your life in danger. While dying in combat is certainly a possibility everyone in uniform acknowledges, the percentage of frontline military jobs is relatively small compared to support positions that typically face less danger.
Ortiz-Barreto explained the steps that students should take if they’re considering joining the military.
“The first step is always to talk to your parents,” he said. “(The second step is to) research about each branch of the military. The third step, go to a recruiting station.”
He recommends talking to recruiters from each branch and getting as much information as possible.
The military had an immeasurably positive effect on Ortiz's life.
“The Army, for me, is everything … I have everything because of them,” he said.
EPIC SEES SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN READING, MATH SCORES
STORY BY JOSHLYN MCKEY
PHOTO BY JACOB STARKEY EPIC NEWS NETWORK
TestScores for Epic Charter Schools have been on the rise, and district officials have big goals for these core academic areas.
At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, 4.4% of students demonstrated mastery of language arts standards. By the spring, that number had risen to 17.5%. By the end of the school year, Epic hopes 35% of students will have mastered the content.
In 2023-24, students' ELA scores grew from 3.1% in September to 20.29% in May, and math scores also saw a noticeable jump from 4.6% in September to 18.4% in December.
¨Bottom line is, in the area of reading you are making some good progress this year compared to the previous three,¨ Epic consultant Robert Sommers told the Epic school board at the February board meeting. In a subsequent interview with ENN, Sommers said that while a downward trend in scores in recent years is often blamed on the pandemic, test scores have been on the decline nationally for years.
master a topic one day can revisit it, taking a different approach another day. This is both a function of technology and the way teachers approach their jobs.
Epic Superintendent Bart Banfield noted Epic teachers’ ability to drill down to areas that are causing students difficulties and focus on them until the students grasp the concepts. For example, Epic might get a student who transfers in without having learned how to do long division. This could severely limit how much math they could do without this foundational concept. Epic teachers could use tutoring, Math+ and several other programs that Epic offers to help the student overcome this setback.
Sommers said the traditional approach to education is onesize-fits-all. Epic’s approach offers more personalization, partly out of technology and partly out of underlying philosophy.
¨Everyone wants it to look the same,¨ he said, but noted that students’ differing levels of mastery mean the one-size-fits-all approach leaves some students behind.
He attributed some of Epic's success in raising test scores to the district’s nontraditional way of schooling and some of the advantages online learning offers.
For example, Sommers explained, students who don't
"If you go back and you look at our mission statement, we talk about individualizing the education to the unique child," Banfield said.
Tutoring offers the students personalized attention that can help them overcome challenges in reading and math.
Add to that teachers who are able to use data to change their instruction, and you have Epic's increase in reading and math scores, which Banfield said is one of Epic's biggest strengths. The district is furthering this approach by hiring Oklahoma-certified teachers to help students in areas of need and identify learning gaps.
One way Epic tracks progress is by regular internal benchmarks. Epic has tried other approaches in the past, including special software and tutors from outside the district.
“And that's where Epic ... has done a better job of staying focused on the student achievement versus 'I teach so many classes. I gotta process so many homework assignments. I gotta grade papers and move on.' No, it's 'I got to connect with the student and make sure they learn their material,'" Sommers said.
SUPERINTENDENT: RISING TEST SCORES SHOW STRENGTH OF EPIC'S INTERVENTIONS
WE INTERVIEWED SUPT. BART BANFIELD ABOUT EPIC AND ITS IMPROVING SCORES
BY JOSHLYN MCKEY EPIC NEWS NETWORK
*Editors note:The Comet interviewed Epic Superintendent Bart Banfield about test score growth and other topics of interest. Answers have been condensed and edited for space *
COMET: WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING EPIC AND WHAT HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
I would say that the greatest challenge for Epic is supplying the demand for our school, and that's been pretty consistent throughout the 13 years since the school was founded back in 2011. I joined the school back in 2014, so I've been with the district for over a decade, and it's been pretty consistent because the demand for the school is driven by parent choice.
COMET: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
The disruption of the status quo. You know, I came from a traditional brick and mortar background. And there have always been students, since the dawn of time, that needed school to be different. I think what we provide for students is the possibility and the option to be different, and to be unique, and to be consistent with who you are as an individual. And so we've taken a very innovative approach to how we run Epic.
COMET: WHAT TYPE OF STUDENT THRIVES AT EPIC?
I think a student that requires a higher level of personalization. So you put your yourself in the in the mind of a teacher in a classroom with 25 kids that are the same age but are potentially on six different grade levels. How do you individualize the education of all 25 kids? And the answer is, you don't. And so what ends up happening is a lot of times teachers, by necessity, teach to the middle, and students that want to accelerate their learning or enrich their learning get bored, and students that need to decelerate their learning or need a little more time get left behind. And so I think one of the things we do at Epic is we customize an education to meet the child right where they're at.
COMET: HOW EFFECTIVE HAVE EPIC’S TARGETED INTERVENTIONS BEEN?
I can remember early on, intervention was the responsibility of the teacher of record. And then we've also tried third-
party vendors that have come in and provided intervention or homework help, or things like that. And, most recently, we shifted to hiring our own interventionists. These are Oklahoma-certified teachers that are coming in, that are targeting instructions specifically what you're talking about, with regards to both ELA and math, and beginning to identify specific standards gaps in learning that children need to be focused on. And so what we're trying to do at Epic is we're trying to intervene in a real, meaningful way, and one of the ways we do that is by targeting intervention and then tracking it through benchmarks and how students perform on benchmarks.
COMET: HOW IMPORTANT ARE CONTENT SPECIALISTS TO SCORE GAINS?
I think one of the things that we've seen is having content specialists has been favorable with the families that we serve. Specifically with regards to Math+, having math-certified teachers teaching secondary math, whether that's Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Calculus, whatever, having contentcertified, specialized teachers teaching that content creates a better experience for kids, because you have that interaction back and forth in terms of content knowledge and the ability to answer on the fly, whereas someone who may be, you know, English certified that's teaching math may need to go back and watch a video or ask, you know, a question about how to best serve students and answer their questions.
COMET: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS IN TERMS OF RAISING SCORES?
I would I define success as academic growth. So what we're looking for at Epic is progress, not perfection. And so for those students that are with us and stay with us, are we demonstrating a quantifiable trajectory of growth? We talked about those benchmarks earlier. As we benchmark those students, are we demonstrating a trajectory of growth on the individual level? And I think one of the challenges is schools are compared to other schools, which is more of a macro indicator. I think a better indicator is the micro or the individual student, the individual child. Are you making progress? Because one of the things we try to do with those benchmarks, and then certainly with state test scores as well, is we try to share those with the family and, then again, they have the opportunity to choose. And if we're not the right fit, or we're not demonstrating quantifiable progress and a trajectory of growth, then families have the choice to leave, and so we feel like that's probably the best way to determine success.
CONNECTING INDIGENOUS STUDENTS TO THEIR HERITAGE
Epic is helping Indigenous students reconnect with their heritage through hands-on art workshops ranging from traditional crafts like loom and ornament beading to contemporary blends like cap beading and Indigenous sneaker art, bridging traditions with the present.
Epic’s Native American Programs empower students by providing a range of support, including academic help, financial aid with ACT vouchers, and college and career counseling. And to keep connections to students’ heritage alive, they offer cultural workshops.
These workshops aim to preserve cultural traditions while making them accessible and relevant to younger generations. By learning the traditional techniques used by their ancestors, students not only gain artistic skills but also develop a deeper understanding of their cultural identities. At the same time, incorporating Indigenous designs into modern art forms allows them to express their heritage in new and creative ways.
One cultural enrichment activity that Native American Programs offer every year is graduation cap beading. During this activity, Epic seniors who are registered with NAP can personalize their graduation caps with beadwork.
go buy. You have to learn it. It drives home the point that life wasn’t always as we have it now. We had to make what we have. When you see your elders or you go to stomp dances or powwows and you see their beautiful, intricate beadwork, people made that by hand.”
Hester said the workshops teach patience and history, strengthening students’ knowledge of and respect for their histories.
“It makes them know and respect where they came from so they can know who they are moving forward,” she said.
The idea of moving forward at graduation harkens back to a common Native American way of celebrating great accomplishments through beadwork, a marrying of past and present.
Jay Hester, an Epic academic and cultural support specialist, oversees a variety of activities offered by NAP, from cultural enriching activities to workshops such as ribbon skirts.
“As Native Americans, our culture, our people, our way of life was decimated when the Europeans came in, and (in) boarding schools there was a saying, ‘Save the man, kill the Indian,’” Hester said. “But we are still here ... we are telling students where they came from. We are teaching them their Native language. We are showing them their regalia. We have a lot we are showing and teaching, and it just helps them connect.”
Hester said everyone wants to know where they came from. Workshops like those with NAP offer students a unique way to connect with their past during a very significant moment of their life: graduation.
“Beading is important. It is ceremonial and symbolic for a lot of tribes,” she said. “It helps them connect to their culture because you got to sit down, you got to listen, you got to be patient. It isn't something you can just
Another cultural enrichment activity is the Indigenous Sneaker Workshop. This blend of cultural tradition and contemporary art is especially popular with students. And students can even wear their culturally inspired artwork should they so choose.
The workshop walked students through the different patterns various tribes — Seminole, Cherokee, Choctaw — traditionally use. Students learned the process of selecting a pattern, selecting their colors, preparing the shoe, painting their pattern and applying finishing touches.
NAP brought in Native American artist Jeremy Thompson, who made sneaker art along with his brother, Chris Thompson, for 18 years. They have won awards, notably during the Trail of Tears art show in 2023, where Jeremy Thompson received the Trail of Tears award.
“Once students learn about the patterns and what they mean, it is a way of storytelling,” Thompson explained.
Scan the QR code to read more about how Epic's Native American Programs connect Indigenous students to their heritage. through activities and education.
A student prepares a beaded graduation cap (above). A finished shoe with traditional Native American beadwork and patterns (below).
STORY AND PHOTOS BY NORAH HUTCHISON EPIC NEWS NETWORK
photo credit: Caitlyn Herkert
Photo credit: Melody Humphrey
Photo credit: Emma Herkert
Photo credit: Eleanor Ross
Photo credit: Mya Bueso Trejo
Photo credit: Misty Crawford
Photo credit: Saylor Sutterfield
Photo credit: Ceryna Smith
Photo credit: Molly Berghoefer
Photo credit: Naudia Bowers
HAVING A SOCIAL MEDIA RELATIONSHIP PAUSE CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
As we have become increasingly immersed in the digital age, our discomfort with boredom has amplified. During any pause in activity, we instinctively seek entertainment and stimulation, making it difficult to simply be present with ourselves and others.
Most people likely would nod their heads in agreement.
A National Library of Medicine article stated that the constant exposure to social media has caused our standard of engagement to shift and increase, dulling previously interesting hobbies and activities.
“It’s the need of constant static,” said Emma Harrison, a high school sophomore who doesn’t use social media.
A 2023 Gallup poll found that teens average 4.8 hours a day on social media, with YouTube accounting for the largest share, followed closely by TikTok.
Harrison's decision to forgo social media is somewhat uncommon, but it may hold answers for those of us caught in the endless void of doomscrolling.
She explained that social media has conditioned people to seek continuous amusement, making even brief lulls in conversation feel intolerable.
Despite social media promising more accessible and fulfilling connections, many users find themselves utilizing it as a wall to hide from real-life interactions.
Rather than feeling more connected, we feel more isolated.
This detachment isn’t limited to social media alone — it extends to the way people engage with technology as a whole, including gaming and other online interactions that replace in-person bonds.
lots of friends I game with online.’ And I would say, 'That's great, but if you're ever in a bind, none of those people are ever going to come and help you. They're not really people you can lean on for support. They're just people who are kind of filling a gap for you socially,'" said Jenn Preston, a counselor with Epic Charter Schools.
“The world is more connected than we’ve ever been, with these smartphones in our pockets, but we are also disconnected in a way we’ve never been. There is less eye contact, less family dinners, less sharing real experiences for many families,” said Madison Vining, an Instagram content creator and blogger.
Vining lives much of her life online, so she understands the demands of her social media followers. But she also understands what is best for her children — and her own mental health.
BREAKING UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
STORY BY RYLEE BYERS
PHOTO BY AMY MARTINEZ-REYNOLDS EPIC NEWS NETWORK
“I meet with kids sometimes who are big gamers, and they'll say, ‘I'm so social. I have
Harrison said social media users often are more concerned about the lives of those they don’t know than those they do. “If you're following people that, like, you don't know personally, then it's just media,” she observed.
“Everything we do on social media or on the internet, it happens in our heads. It doesn't happen through discovery and experience. We grow and develop so much more when we’re actually living life and having experience,” said Val Harrison, the host of the Practically Speaking Mom podcast and blog.
According to Val Harrison, social media users give too much authority to the arbitrary world of social media. It causes us to become overly dependent on the thoughts of others and abandon our confidence in our self-principles, self-discipline and capability to reflect.
Those interviewed for this article encour-
17: AGE
aged social media users to discern the reason they initially joined social media or even just the reason they clicked on the app that day. Stay proactive with the original goal and intentional with the time spent on the apps. Are the ways you are utilizing the app adding value to your life, relationships, or dreams and pursuits? Is it motivating you or inducing self-deprecation? Self-evaluation is key.
“It starts with the parents. What are our habits? If we don't have self-discipline going on in that area, it is very hard to get our kids to be self-disciplined in that area, and it certainly would seem like a double standard,” Val Harrison said.
As a parent, introducing your child’s first phone or allowing your child to join social media requires structure and stability in your place as a role model. They’ll be more likely to agree with restrictive terms if they see you hold that same standard of accountability for yourself. If your kids see you put down your phone when you’re in the same room as them or at least communicate why you need a few more minutes before engaging, they’ll mimic that same prioritization of people over phone when they get their own device. "We shape a framework for their mindset of how the internet is used and how phones are used," she said.
“We're always teaching kids about goal-setting. We're always teaching kids about achievement. We're always teaching kids about time-management skills. We're always teaching them about internet safety and digital citizenship. And I think there is a place in all of those to talk about, like, what is healthy social media use?” Preston mused.
Vining and Preston agreed that in order for social media users to become aware of their dependence on the platforms and the impact they have, intentional breaks are required.
as a one-hour posting window so the rest of her time can go toward more fulfilling activities. Having content prepared in advance and not posting in real time allows her to prioritize being fully present.
4.8: AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS A DAY U.S. TEENS SPEND ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Vining described her children's experience with limited screen time, emphasizing vital strides in their creativity, social courtesy, observation, curiosity, camaraderie among siblings, and fulfillment and joy in the simple things. These aspects are more likely to occur when there is less opportunity for online stimulation.
Val Harrison continually evaluates her children’s well-being through four key aspects: spiritual, mental, physical and social. She approaches this with offensive and defensive mindsets — eliminating anything that may be harmful while intentionally replacing it with something enriching. At times, this includes managing their relationship with social media and technology.
She compared online safety measures to wearing a seatbelt in a car. Just as using a seatbelt isn’t a matter of lack of confidence in the driver, setting boundaries for her children isn’t a matter of distrust; rather, it reflects her awareness of the immense power of the digital world and her commitment to guiding them through it
Not an hour. Not reducing screen time each day by a tad. No, something more dramatic is needed to get the full social media detox. Long resets, such as a full day, week or month contribute to feeling more refreshed and reflective, they said.
“Toxic trends, pressure, criticism, feeling left out, bullying, sexual influences and even just numbing out scrolling can be hard enough to navigate as an adult with a fully formed frontal lobe. I feel it is not something children should have to navigate, and statistics show it is damaging to kids’ mental health. As someone who sees the ins and outs of social media more than most, it is important to me as a mom to delay social media for my children until their brains are more developed and they’re able to set healthy boundaries for themselves,” Vining said.
Vining has developed strategies to maintain a healthy balance. She mindfully and intentionally posts her content, giving herself strict but reasonable parameters such
Preston recommended using analog tools whenever possible, such as a paper planner instead of a digital calendar, to reduce reliance on screens. She also suggested having a trusted person, like a parent or close friend, manage passwords as a way to encourage accountability.
With countless videos competing for attention, viewers should be mindful of their content consumption. Rather than passively accepting algorithm-driven recommendations, users can take an active role in selecting the information they engage with, aligning with social media’s original intent of providing accessible and timely information.
While features like endless scrolling encourage passive engagement, developing greater awareness can lead to more meaningful use.
"It's called a feed for a reason. It's feeding you. And so whatever you see on there, it's like that's going to get inside your brain,” Emma Harrison said.
Scan the QR code to read the rest of this story, including how giving up on or taking a break from social media is unlikely to have a negative effect on friendships and teens' social lives.
Madison Vining poses with her family. Vining is an Instagram content creator and mother. Although she documents much of her life on social media, she has strict rules for social media use. Courtesy photo.
'SEPHORA KIDS' & THE RISKS OF INFLUENCER BEAUTY IDEALS
By Hollyn Kamman •
Epic News Network
In this age of technology, phones and social media, content is more accessible to a larger and younger crowd. One type of content that has really taken off is beauty content.
While beauty content and beauty creators have been around for a while, with the rise of the "influencer” and increased popularity of social media, this type of beauty content is able to reach this larger and younger audience much quicker, resulting in niche groups such as “Sephora Kids.”
But what exactly is a Sephora Kid?
Sephora Kids are typically considered “tweens” or preteens who are fascinated by beauty and skincare products. The term can have a negative connotation, although it’s not inherently a bad thing to care about one’s appearance. They are often seen at Sephora stores, buying (or, more accurately, their parents are buying) expensive skincare products they don’t necessarily need.
Social media and influencers play a large role in the development of this interest. Through the promotion of skincare and makeup products and routines, influencers make money by selling ads, influencing those who watch their
content to buy the products they are promoting. Most of this, however, sounds like a standard and relatively harmless way for a kid or a tween to learn about and get into skincare and makeup.
One concern for Sephora Kids is rooted in beauty standards and trends.
Beauty standards are ever-changing trends that are related to what is socially defined as beautiful; just because someone doesn't fit traditional or current beauty standards doesn't make them any less beautiful. Due to their young age, this doesn’t always register to those who are classified as Sephora Kids.
Beauty trends are a broader concept; they can relate to a specific makeup look that is popular among influencers, or they can be a particular product that has gained traction on social media.
For kids, the risk is their self-worth becomes rooted in their appearance, which is something they can only change up to a point. They may never look exactly like the people they see on the internet. This can lead to feeling like they need to always have the most current and popular products to be considered cool or pretty. This concept by no
Cover photo: Navaeh Johnson Facing page photo: Joshalyn Tallant
means is new, but with the increased popularity of social media and influencers, it is a consistently relevant topic of discussion among tweens and young teens.
An Oct. 2023 Gallup poll found that teens spend, on average, 4.8 hours a day on social media. The poll further showed that teens who spend the most time on social media scored lower than other teens in measures of conscientiousness — i.e. self-control and impulse regulation.
Teen Kinley Hunt could be considered a Sephora Kid. To her, she simply likes to look her best. She explained what got her into makeup and why she enjoys it.
“I've always just liked playing with makeup, but as I grew up the more I got into doing it. When I do my makeup it makes me feel good because I feel pretty ... plus, it's fun with skin care. When I do my skin care, I just feel like I am taking better care of my face and skin, and I focus on making my skin healthy.”
But this may not be the case, or at least it may not be as good for kids as they think.
said, "I like beauty influencers because they give good recommendations on what types of products to use that are safe for kids. I feel they help a lot with the skincare and makeup experience for young girls, but also make sure that you are looking at influencers that want to help girls, not just making money from promoting bad products to make a profit."
However, beauty influencers are seldom trained in dermatology or adolescent psychology, and there is a profit motive at play, all of which can put kids at a disadvantage. Sephora Kids’ trust in the influencers they follow may be misplaced.
When done right, influencers can be a helpful resource to young kids that are just starting their makeup and skincare journeys. However, influencers are not the only ones who have a role and influence in a child’s life and hobbies, so what can parents do to help their children navigate the social media world and beauty industry in a safe and successful way?
When speaking of the parents' role in their kids' beauty journey Hunt said, “I think a parent’s role in their chil-
“When kids use anti-aging skin care, they can actually cause premature aging, destroy the skin barrier and lead to permanent scarring,” Arizona dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy told The Associated Press.
Enjoying makeup and skin care or even wanting to get into it is not a bad thing; it’s a fun hobby that many girls and women enjoy, but the idea that your beauty and worth are dependent on a specific routine that your favorite influencer does, or a product that everyone seems to have, can lead to harmful expectations of oneself.
Another concern related to Sephora Kids is the connection between influencers and a younger audience. This stems from the fact that even though most influencers are promoting hygiene and skin care, unrealistic expectations, the use of non-age-appropriate products and the possible health risks from using such products are facets and effects the must be considered when discussing a younger audience.
When asked about what the issue with the relationship between influencers and a younger audience was, Hunt
dren’s makeup and skincare journey is to help their kid figure out what they need versus what they think they need.”
By doing their own research on different skincare and makeup products, a parent can guide their child to safe, age-appropriate and effective products, and encourage good personal hygiene that their child can take with them as they grow up. A parent can also help their child to build good self confidence that is not reliant on what beauty products they may or may not have.
“A solution to Sephora Kids is to help young girls realize they don’t need the best of the best products to make them look more beautiful; they just need what they actually need.” Hunt said. The beauty industry and social media are both difficult-to-navigate worlds.
Kids can embark on a fun makeup and skincare journey that focuses on practicing good hygiene, having a good time and being creative, rather than chasing trends and unrealistic standards.
EPIC-OU HEALTH PARTNERSHIP BRINGS MEDICAL CARE TO SCHOOL
TELEMEDICINE VISITS NOW AVAILABLE TO EPIC STUDENTS
STORY BY SHAMAJAE BRUNER ILLUSTRATION BY AYLA FAVERO EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Many students have seen a school nurse, but few have seen a school doctor. Thanks to Epic Charter Schools' partnership with OU Health, students now have access to a full range of healthcare services from the comfort of their phones through telehealth appointments.
This partnership, which began in fall 2024, has already made a significant impact on students' health, ensuring they receive the care they need without leaving school or home.
While the program initially started small, it now serves both the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, offering virtual doctor visits for students. Jessica Jones, a registered nurse and school health services coordinator at Epic, explained that the partnership was designed to address the "whole child," not just their mental health needs but their physical health as well. By expanding access to medical care, the program helps students stay healthy and ready to learn.
“If a student isn’t healthy, then it makes it hard for them to be able to learn,” Jones said, stressing the connection between health and academic success.
Epic's telehealth service is available to all students, whether they have insurance or not. For students with insurance, Epic collects the necessary information and OU Health handles billing directly with the insurance company.
“If they have private insurance, we will collect that insurance information and send it to OU so they can bill for services,” Jones explained.
Families don’t need to worry about copays at the time of the appointment, as these are handled later by OU Health.
For those without insurance, Epic ensures that students still have access to care, providing visits at no cost thanks to grant funding.
During a telehealth session, a school nurse or other healthcare professional connects the student with a doctor.
“We have a stethoscope that hooks up to the tablet ... and the doctor on the other end can hear their lung sounds and their heart sounds,” Jones said.
With specialized tools like otoscopes and magnifying flashlights, the doctor can examine the student’s health just as thoroughly as if they were in the same room. This high-tech equipment helps bridge the gap between virtual and in-person care, ensuring students get the attention they need no matter where they are.
Scheduling a telehealth appointment with Epic and OU Health is simple. Parents can scan a QR code to fill out an appointment request form, or they can call the school health service lines for either the Oklahoma City or Tulsa areas. Jones reassured families that scheduling is quick and easy, stating: “We respond to them very quickly ... we can usually schedule an appointment for them, if not the same day, usually the next day.”
For parents with questions or concerns, there is also an email address available for communication and appointment coordination.
While the current focus is on Oklahoma City and Tulsa, there are hopes to extend the service.
Jones mentioned that the vision is for “appointments that don’t necessarily need testing in person to be ... totally virtual, so that maybe they can be done from the student's home.”
Expanding the program to remote locations and offering services directly at home would make healthcare even more accessible to students, regardless of their location.
Epic’s telehealth partnership with OU Health has already proven to be an essential resource for many families, offering students access to medical care without the barriers of insurance or transportation.
THE OKLAHOMA SOUND
OKLAHOMA'S EVOLVING MUSIC SCENE MELDS PAST AND PRESENT INTO SOMETHING UNIQUE
Band Choctaw contributed to the region’s early musical ladscape, with their unique rhythms, songs and traditions shaping the local sound.
Oklahoma-born composer-conductor Louis Ballard (Quapaw-Cherokee) contributed significantly to developing Indian symphonic and chamber music, showcasing the versatility of Native American musical expression.
eing an artist in Oklahoma presents unique challenges, particularly due to the renowned Oklahoma musicians' rich legacy of creativity. The bar is set high. The weight of expectation can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Cali Sickler feels she has much to live up to as an up-andcoming performer.
“If you're trying to make it from Oklahoma, you have to be sort of on the same level, if not better than them,” Sickler said.
One of the most iconic figures in Oklahoma's musical history is Woody Guthrie. Guthrie emerged as a groundbreaking artist during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. His lyrics often reflected the struggles and resilience of everyday people, making him a voice for the disenfranchised.
A working musician and Epic graduate, Sickler, 18, combines pop and country influences in true singer-songwriter fashion. It’s a combination that other prominent Oklahoma musicians have used to great acclaim.
Bands like Stillwater’s Cross Canadian Ragweed.
THE BOYS FROM OKLAHOMA
Cross Canadian Ragweed is one of the most celebrated bands from Oklahoma. You’ll instantly recognize their unique blend of rock, country and Red Dirt music, sort of an updated, outlaw country sound for the 2000s.
"I think that if there is a sound of Oklahoma, it is what they define as Red Dirt, which is anywhere from folk rock to alternative country … definitely got its own sound. But it also has a hard time being defined," Cross Canadian Ragweed frontman Cody Canada said in an interiew with ENN.
Their most memorable track is "Boys from Oklahoma," a sing-along, counterculture anthem that captures the pride of their home state compared to its contiguous-state peers through the lens of … rolling a joint. But Cross Canadian Ragweed's music features plenty of carousing, drinking, and trouble with women and the law — the trappings of classic country and folk rock alike.
Merle Haggard, whom Canada said is his songwriting inspiration, would be proud.
Cross Canadian Ragweed’s songs showcase the band's distinct sound and lyrical storytelling, contributing to their enduring popularity and legacy in music.
“I didn’t think we’d be as successful as we are,” Canada said a month before playing sold out reunion shows in Stillwater.
A RICH TAPESTRY
Oklahoma music boasts a profound and diverse cultural heritage that radiates from its earliest days. The state's musical roots can be traced back to the rich tapestry of Native American traditions that thrived on its lands long before settlers arrived.
Many Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Osage
Throughout the years, the state has produced myriad influential musicians across various genres. From the iconic country sound of artists like Bob Wills, who is often dubbed the “king of western swing,” to rock legends like The Flaming Lips and alternative country musicians such as Sturgill Simpson, Oklahoma has continuously contributed to the broader tapestry of American music.
Oklahoma loves its home-grown musicians. And they return the love. Canada has played everywhere. But his favorite venue remains in Tulsa.
Perhaps you've heard of it or seen the iconic red-and-white, L-shaped sign.
Local venues, universities, and community organizations support emerging artists and keep the spirit of Oklahoma music alive, ensuring its evolution continues while honoring its historical roots.
One of the most iconic spots is Cain's, renowned for its rich history and lively atmosphere. This venue became famous as the home of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, whose influence on western swing music is legendary.
The ballroom's rustic charm, complete with hardwood floors and a dance floor that has seen countless two-stepping couples, makes it a pilgrimage site for music lovers.
Canada saw Geroge Strait when he was little, and he was, he said: "struck by lightning." There was no choice other than music.
Canada said what makes Red Dirt so powerful is rawness.
“There’s no real agenda like, 'I’m gonna write this song, I’m gonna write this beat. And I’m gonna make a bunch of money,'" he said. "You know, with the people from Oklahoma, it’s all about, 'I’m gonna write this song because it’s therapeutic. And then other people are going to latch onto it because they need therapy, too.' That’s how I’ve always felt about it.”
Why does Oklahoma have such an abundance of musical talent? No one can say for sure, but the authenticity of Oklahoma musicians’ songs must play a large role.
and linguistic commonalities, but each country has its own
For many immigrants, this country offers tangible benefits
According to the Migration Policy Institute, roughly 6% of
senator who represents south Oklahoma City.
Most of these immigrants are school age. This raises concerns, especially for immigrant families, about sending their children to school for fear that they will be separated from their families.
“The trauma of having those families being separated, or the trauma of having people who are US citizens and born in the United States having to make the decision if they’re going to a country they have never been, to remain with their families if they’re deported,” Brooks said.
Many immigrant families have young children, or the parents were young children when they arrived. This can pose a language barrier between races.
“Honestly, it was a bit tough at first, not knowing the language,” Ramirez said. “One big thing that helps me connect with other Latinos and people who are going through the same thing is my school. Especially here in ‘The South,’ it’s mostly Hispanics. Everywhere you look, you see at least 20 Hispanic families.”
Oklahoma Public Schools works with Oklahoma City Community College(OCCC) to offer free English classes for students and parents, and assist in enrollment.
Another way for children to go to school without being separated from their families was Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy that allows some undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to avoid deportation and obtain work permits. However, as of July 2021, DACA is being legally challenged and will no longer grant any new first-time DACA requests.
According to the New American Economy, immigrant enterprises account for 21.7 percent of all business owners in the United States, even though they represent just over 13.6 percent of the population as of 2019.
According to a 2022 study from MIT, immigrants to the United States are about 80% more likely to start a business than U.S.-born citizens.
“I had to become a single mom of four, and I had to work. I had to do whatever I had to do to provide for my kids and everything they needed,” Garcia said. “I got tired of being discriminated at places that I used to work and getting underpaid. I became more frustrated with that because we (immigrants) even work harder than other people. I didn’t see it fair that we get paid less and work harder than other people who didn’t do the job and they get paid well.”
But, public sentiment on immigration is complex. According to a March Pew Research Center poll, roughly onethird of adults surveyed said all immigrants illegally in the United States should be deported.
Undocumented immigrants are currently being forced to deport and public messaging is urging others to leave the country before they are deported. It puts many immigrants, documented and undocumented in a difficult position according to Sen. Brooks.
“At this point, I’m not ready to recommend to people to abandon their entire life that they built here and go back to where they came from,” Brooks said. “These employers have benefited greatly from immigrant labor, and to abandon people at this point is kinda reprehensible,” he said.
STRUGGLES FOR ADULTS
Some immigrant adults find America a safe haven as they flee domestic abuse and human trafficking.
While there are programs and visas they can apply for, they still have to worry about paying for them. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a special pathway to lawful immigration status for victims of domestic abuse who would otherwise have to rely on their abusers to file a petition for status for them.
But for immigrants who don’t know about this help, they have to find jobs.
“Pasaron los dias, y otras personas me dijeron 'tienes que ir a corte, levantar cargos.' Todo para mi, eso era nuevo. No sabia nada o como sucedía nada,” (A few days passed, and people told me, ‘You need to go to court, press charges.’ All of this was new to me. I didn’t know anything or how anything worked.) Del Valle said when asked about her domestic abuse situation.
Immigrants aren’t always just doing the jobs no one wants.
In tandem with the federal deportations, a new state law created the crime of “impermissable occupation” in Oklahoma and strengthened cooperation between the state and immigration authorities.
All of this has led to concerns about racial profiling and racist attitudes toward Latino immigrants, many of whom are here legally.
“I still get discriminated. I still get cussed out,” Garcia said.
“Eso sí duele mucho porque todos ser humanos somos iguales,” (That does hurt a lot because all humans are the same.) Del Valle said.
“We’re all people. We need to look out for each other,” Ramirez said
Whether these efforts make Oklahoma safer and more prosperous or simply serve to stigmatize those who are simply here seeking a better life is yet to be seen. Supporters of immigrant rights say it is scary right now.
“I want to say not to give up hope,” Brooks said.
LINES FITTING IN AS A MULTIRACIAL STUDENT
STORY
AND PHOTOS
BY JAMIE O'BRIEN EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Split between two cultural worlds, torn in half, divided by the Atlantic or a steaming ravine. In other words, maturing under the crosshairs of two distinct cultures was confusing.
Growing up in school, I spotted nuggets of my mother’s Filipino background in me that scarcely reflected the habits of my classmates: reusing the same disposable water bottle every morning (to prevent waste), gorging on every bit of my school lunch (regardless of how hungry I was), wearing a coat several sizes too big (to save money when I’d inevitably fill it out).
My father, on the other hand, was a naturally individualistic White American who acclimated to my mother’s saving habits. He never hesitated to buy me my favorite chocolates or fuel my hobbies.
His Western music taste largely shaped my own, and I see him in my mind’s eye every time I listen to Bread or Steely Dan.
from home.
It was only when I visited the Philippines that I noticed how estranged I truly felt from Filipino culture.
I could call myself a Filipino girl in Tulsa, but in Manila I was a textbook tourist: lost, foreign, distinctly monolingual. The language barrier between my Filipino relatives and I was impossible to navigate, so I relied on my mother for communication.
I clumsily learned “mano po,” a simple greeting I'd give to an elder by lightly touching the back of their hand to my forehead.
My appearance was another story. Compared to my relatives, I was deathly pale, taller than most, and had hair a shade or two lighter than everyone else. It felt impossible to claim a culture when I stuck out like a sore thumb in either country.
At home, frugality and family were the forefront of my life, but I followed my friends when they spent on take-out and enjoyed leisure time with little thought for budget. It was difficult to identify with one single culture when I so easily molded to both, but it was easy to feel a stronger connection to Western tradition the longer I spent away
But the longer I stayed, the more I noticed the parallels between my Filipino family’s customs and my own habits. Like my closet in Tulsa, the drawers in my grandmother’s house were overflowing with hand-me-downs. Old knickknacks decorated every shelf and table, much in the same way my brother’s trinkets remained fixtures in my room
long after he left for college. Most weekdays after school, I ate adobo, sinigang or anything with rice, prominent Filipino staples.
Back home, I could recognize many of these same quirks as reflections of the Filipino culture that I once felt too much of an imposter to identify with.
Just because you can’t see its influence doesn’t mean it’s not there.
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
Like me, 18-year-old Banaz Rafaii felt more accustomed to American culture despite growing up in a predominantly Turkish household.
At home, she speaks Turkish and participates in Ramadan — an Islamic holy month surrounding fasting and prayer — with her family every year.
"I've lived here in America since birth … which makes it difficult to identify with either culture,” Rafaii said. “When I visited Iraq a few years ago, I realized how out of touch I was with my culture because of all the unspoken customs I felt alien to, like having to visit other houses and vice versa to avoid seeming rude.”
As per Turkish tradition, there is a notable emphasis on hospitality and academics. Compared to the individualistic culture of the West, Rafaii’s loaded daily life seems worlds away.
“I realized my level of responsibility was unique to Turkish culture, when I talked about how tiring it was to constantly be in charge of family responsibilities, and no one understood,” Rafaii said.
Although her Turkish upbringing comes with many familial and collectivistic expectations, Rafaii enjoys striking a happy medium between cultures independently.
Specifically, she mixes music genres: listening to traditional Turkish music one day and popular American metal the next. Artists like İbrahim Tatlıses or Avenged Sevenfold typically dot her playlists.
“I also prefer eating traditional Turkish food because that's what I grew up with,” Rafaii said. “Foods like biryani, baklava, manti — it’s all really comforting to me, being able to feel a sense of belonging in both worlds.”
STRIKING A CULTURAL BALANCE
Based on the 2020 Census, about 33.8 million people in the United States identify as multiracial.
That’s a lot of cultures to account for.
Theauthorvisitedhergrandmother(shownabove)duringa2011triptothePhilippines. The visit helped her connect with her heritage.
Namely, Rafaii is used to pulling out all the stops when a guest visits, often taking care of the household chores and cooking in advance. As a high school senior, it is also expected of her to undertake multiple AP classes and champion high grades. These cultural differences are the most obvious when she interacts with her monocultural American peers.
As a multicultural person, finding balance involves exploring the traditions and customs of cultures that surround you and sticking to ones that resonate.
It’s important to remember that it isn’t an either/or dilemma.
To find balance, you often need to create your own cultural mix by interacting with communities, exploring traditional recipes and music, or connecting with family.
That is to say, claim a blended identity that reflects the variation of the melting pot of America.
W HAT SETS A CHAMPION APART FROM OTHER PLAYERS ? DEFINITELY YOUR MINDSET
— ISABELLA SURPRENANT
EPIC SENIOR SERVES UP SUCCESS IN PROFESSIONAL CORNHOLE
BY HARRISON FAVERO AND JOSHLYN MCKEY EPIC NEWS NETWORK
For most high-schoolers, extracurricular activities might include sports like football or basketball, debate club or volunteering. But Isabella "Bella" Surprenant’s after-school hours are spent on the professional cornhole circuit, traveling the nation and competing at an elite level in a sport that's rapidly gaining recognition.
The Lawton-based Epic senior’s entry into the world of competitive cornhole was almost accidental.
"My sister's husband and his family have always played it at the lake," Surprenant recounted.
It was during one of these casual lakeside gatherings that she was coaxed into playing.
"They needed one more person to make it even. And so they kind of forced me to play," she laughed.
Despite a lessthan-stellar first outing, her innate competitive nature took over.
"I got beat, like, so bad. And I've always been super competitive. So I was just, like, okay, I want to get better at this,” she recalled.
them to, like, pick themselves back up than a regular player, I would say."
Her training involves repetition to develop the crucial muscle memory required for accuracy. This involves working on her throw for two to three hours a day.
Surprenant competes in the National Cornhole League, a structured organization with rankings and a qualification process. This is a long way from summertime backyard tossing.
"There's 250 pros, and then they have an elite division where people can pay to play with the pros, and then they can qualify to be a pro next year," she explained.
Maintaining her professional status requires consistent performance, with the top players in singles and doubles earning their spots each year.
That desire to improve fueled countless hours of practice. "Every single weekend and during the summer, I'd always go out there, and I just got better and better," she said. This dedication quickly elevated her game, leading her to discover a thriving competitive scene far beyond the recreational boards she first encountered.
At 17, Surprenant is a seasoned professional, having competed in 45 states. She participates in roughly two to three tournaments each month.
When asked what sets professional players apart, she emphasized the mental aspect. "Definitely your mindset," she said. "Because there's a lot of people that are really good. And it's, like, it's kind of hard not to get down on yourself, and I feel, like, for professionals, they're more composed, I would say, and like to keep themselves calm … It's easier for
Balancing a demanding travel and competition schedule with her education is made possible by the flexibility of Epic Charter Schools.
"The tournaments usually are Friday through Sunday," she explained. "I feel like with Epic ... I don't have to miss, like, a Friday or a Monday for traveling like people in public school would have to."
She emphasized how Epic’s flexibility allows her to manage her schoolwork while on the road. "I feel like I don't ever have to do that (make up schoolwork) ,.. it's just very flexible," she said.
To read more about Isabella Surprenant's professional cornhole journey, learn her plans after graduation and receive and a tip for winning your own cornhole games, click on the QR code or visit epicnewsnetwork.org, where this and other stories from The Comet are posted.
BY RENAE COLLINS
On a Thursday afternoon, you can find dozens of students filtering into a classroom at the Tulsa Learning Center, but students in this classroom aren’t sitting down to do math or English.
These students spend an hour playing cards, charades, chess and video games during Game Club.
Epic’s Tulsa Learning Center hosts the weekly Game Club for middle school and high school students every Thursday.
It’s a relaxing place where students can come to talk and connect while playing video games and board games.
Eighth-grader Rachel Kelly learned about Game Club from her older brother. She said she attended initially to annoy him but then found her own friends there.
“You get to know the people and all the teachers, so gaming club is really fun to me,” Kelly said.
Christian Brown leads Game Club. With his easygoing personality and love for games, he makes sure everyone feels welcome.
EPIC GAME CLUB: A WEEKLY HANGOUT TO GAME, MAKE FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN
Even though you get outside break, you guys can play and be yourselves and have fun.”
The games vary each week. Chess has been popular, along with card games, board games and video games.
“Everybody finds their niche,” Brown said.
You’ll find Brown and several other teachers playing the games right along with the students. Students enjoy seeing their teachers in a more casual environment.
Whether they’re in it for the fun strategies or just playing for the laughs, he has created a space where students can unwind and connect.
“To me, it’s pretty awesome because students are always in the classroom for a long time,” Brown said. “I figured you
“They are just really great teachers, they are really smart,” Kelly said. “I’m just happy I have them as a teacher.”
Brown said if students are having a bad day, they can play and work it out in the video game consoles. Students look forward to their weekly game pass.
“It’s a comfortable space, it’s a free space where you can talk to your friends and feel comfortable,” eighth-grader Alyssa Bennett said. “No one is getting hated on. Everyone in there is nice.”
Game Club was an environment created for students to have a fun break from their work. For Brown, the rewards of Game Club go far beyond a winning hand or a high score.
¨You guys’ smiles are pretty awesome,¨ he said.
— Declan Buckner, Coen Conrad, Angel Duran-Santana, Sarah Neal, Gracen Persons-Wood and Alex Rankin wrote this story.
STORY BY TULSA LEARNING CENTER JUNIOR HIGH JOURNALISM CLASS
PHOTOS
guys just want a break from that.
KEEPING OKLAHOMANS SAFE
RICK SMITH WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALKS TO ENN
BY MADISON HORTON EPIC NEWS NETWORK
Living in a severe-weather-prone place and having storm anxiety can be a scary experience. It can also lead to a fascinating and fulfilling career in meteorology.
Rick Smith grew up in the Memphis area, across the state line in northwestern Mississippi. Growing up, he encountered a lot of storms. For as long as he can remember, he has been fascinated by storms. He was interested in them during the daytime, but once it turned night, he became scared. He also visited his local National Weather Service office often.
“I would visit the Weather Service Office any time I could, to the point where I was afraid they were annoyed with me,” he said.
manages relationships with emergency managers, schools, tribal nations and television stations.
“The reason we're here is to issue warnings and provide weather information to help protect life and property. … We're not doing that every single day, but when we are, we know it's making a difference,” he said.
Social media is a useful tool. Not only does it allow the NWS to spread information farther and faster than before, but it also allows them to get more information on what people are seeing and experiencing. However, the other side of social media isn’t as helpful. Smith says that people, especially in Oklahoma, are passionate about the weather and have a lot of opinions. Many people joke that it must be nice for meteorologists to get paid for being right only part of the time.
“The whole industry really does an amazing job, considering what we're trying to do. I mean, we're forecasting the future. We're predicting the future," he said.
This passion and persistence paid off. Smith now is the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norman.
He started his journey with the NWS as an amateur radio operator. Amateur radio operators were the storm spotters for the Memphis NWS Office. While he was going to college in Memphis, they had a student-trainee volunteer program at NWS that he was a part of. He then began as an entry-level meteorologist at NWS in Memphis. After that, he went to Tulsa for about a year as a general forecaster.
He knew that he wanted to become a warning coordination meteorologist, so he headed down to Fort Worth to the regional headquarters of the NWS for three years. In Fort Worth, his job was an administrative position rather than a forecasting position, which gave him insight into how the NWS operates. To his surprise, in Jan. 2002 he was selected for his dream job as the warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS in Norman.
Every local NWS office has a warning coordination meteorologist. This person is responsible for handling public outreach, preparedness and education.
Smith leads a team that works closely with the media and
In Jan. 2023, someone contacted the NWS in Norman wanting to use their office for a model of the “NWS New York Office” in the 2024 movie “Twisters." They were visited about four or five times by production designers to make everything as realistic as possible. He also had the opportunity to give a two-hour tornado class for a lot of the main cast. He taught them about what storms look like, their structure, safety rules and some of the tornado culture in Oklahoma. He said they were very into their roles and were interested to learn more.
Aspiring meteorologists have lots of resources that the previous generation of forecasters didn't. There's online access to weather models and radar data, both of which a person could use to teach him- or herself the basics of meteorology.
Smith also suggested visiting the local NWS office, asking to sit with a forecaster and attending storm-spotting classes.
In meteorology, there is a lot of science and math involved, which can push away aspiring meteorologists.
Smith said he was terrible at math but really wanted to become a meteorologist.
“I always tell people, if I can do it, anybody can do it,” he said.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service's Norman office monitor wildfires across the state on March 14, 2025. NWS Norman is home to the national Storm Prediction Center. NWS Norman is responsible for weather forecasts, warnings and advisories for central Oklahoma, most of western Oklahoma and part of north Texas. Courtesy photo.
Rick Smith / Courtesy photo
The Epic News Network and its slate of journalism and creative media courses is expanding!
Students have more opportunities than ever before to jump into journalism and media production courses, which are aimed at preparing them for a future career or college path.
New courses in 2025-26 include: Advanced Journalism
ENN Studio Production
Adobe Premiere Pro Certification Film Studies
ENN Studio Production
We’re also excited to announce we have created new courses for our Junior High students.
These courses are only a semester long, but will earn high school credit.
The junior high courses are perfect for students who may be interested in a topic or field of study and want to learn more about what it takes to be a professional in the field.
Successful completion of these courses will prepare students to join our high school courses. New Junior High Courses: Digital Media Production Photography Digital Media Production Videography Media Literacy
If you have questions about ENN, you can find out more information by scanning the QR code.
