Dates & Locations

NOTE: Registration will close 48 hours prior to the ceremony.

Those registering for a ceremony after its capacity has been reached will be placed on a waitlist. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in the ceremony. When a spot opens up, an automated email is sent to the next person on the waitlist. You have 24 hours to claim your spot after receiving the Eventbrite automated email, so monitor your inbox and don’t forget to check your junk/spam folder.

Students may only participate in one graduation ceremony.

Space is limited for each ceremony, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is for graduates ONLY. Guests do not need to register.

Graduates should arrive at least one hour before the ceremony, preferably sooner. Ceremonies should last between one and two hours.

A note from Herff Jones, the official cap-and-gown vendor of Epic graduations.

BIG NEWS: Starting in February, Epic students and parents can go to our new epicgrad.com web page that shows you all the products you can order to celebrate graduation. Formal and Photo Announcements, Swag Items, Custom Class Rings, Yard Signs and of course CAPS AND GOWNS. Through the epicgrad.com web page, you will be directed to the appropriate ordering site, based on the products you are shopping for. Questions: Herff Jones. Inc. Contact information will be shown on the epicgrad.com site. They can help with all product and delivery questions.

The Caps and Gown icon will take you to the Herff Jones College website where you can place your order for caps and gowns, tassels, etc. Go to the school drop-down, and you will find Epic Charter Schools. The HJ college Cap and Gown website is used to serve Epic Seniors better. Since the caps and gowns are shipped directly to your home, this will help expedite delivery.

1. Order online before April 3rd and your CGT unit will be sent directly to your home. $60 (Graduation Regalia package) plus tax
   $60 includes Shipping and Handling charges. The tax rate is 8.625%
   (Guarantees you the ability to get the exact size you need and group pricing. and 2-3 week home delivery)
2. Order online after April 3rd – April 25th or purchase at graduation and the price remains the same $60 (Graduation Regalia package) plus tax.

Order Graduation Regalia

Herff-Jones will have a booth in the graduate check-in area for ceremony pick-up orders and on-site purchases. Caps and gowns will be sold for $60 plus tax. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

If you have cap, gown or tassel issues, please visit the Herff-Jones booth at the ceremony you are attending. They will be able to assist you with any necessary changes.

Have questions? Contact customer service at 866-238-5336 or email highschoolcs@herffjones.com.

Note: Learning Funds MAY NOT be used to purchase graduation items.

Caps and Gowns are NAVY BLUE, with a GOLD & NAVY STOLE and a NAVY & YELLOW Tassel.

Some Native American tribes offer special opportunities to their graduating members, such as specific stoles or assistance purchasing graduation regalia. Epic’s Multicultural Programs team is in contact with Oklahoma tribes to see what assistance and opportunities they offer for their high school graduates. Learn more at epiccharterschools.org/native-student-grad-resources.html.

Q: How do students register?
A: The registration link will be available on this page and emailed to qualifying graduates in the months leading up to the ceremonies.

Q: May students participate in more than one ceremony?
A: No, students may only participate in one ceremony.

Q: How many guests can a student bring?
A: Participating graduates may bring as many guests as they like.

Q: When will seniors be notified of their status?
A: We began notifying students in February and will continue to send reminders and notifications throughout the remainder of the school year.

Q: How are National Anthem performers selected?
A: If you are an Epic student who is interested in performing the National Anthem at one of our ceremonies just fill out the form found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdbTdAuHvta-yXJrDVT6IM6QeiOc3K1satirDgLXnXkcPNgg/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Q: Can an Epic graduate from a previous class participate in this year’s ceremonies?
A: If they were unable to attend the year they graduated due to extenuating circumstances, we will work with the graduate so that they can participate in one of the ceremonies. We just ask that they select “Class of 2022 or earlier” on the drop-down tab asking for the student’s grade when registering. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at epicevents@epiccharterschools.org.

Q: Are graduating seniors required to participate?
A: No, but we strongly encourage all graduates to attend and mark this important moment in their lives.

Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: We try to keep each ceremony to less than two hours. Usually, each ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Q: Can graduates walk across the stage with their children?
A: No, this day is reserved for the graduates only and space is limited. Also, it would be a potential liability (and distraction) to have little ones on the court.

Q: I prefer to go by a name other than my legal name. Can my preferred name be read in the ceremony and listed in the program?
A: Absolutely. We just ask that you let us know. Students will be able to write their name as they want it called in the ceremony. But, diplomas must list the student’s legal name. If the graduate’s name is legally changed, official documentation showing the legal name change must be submitted to records and we will update the diploma accordingly. This is true for graduates of previous years, as well.

Q: What if the graduate has special needs?
A: Each of the facilities is ADA compliant, and before Epic entered into agreements with them, we discussed making sure that everything, including staging, would be fully accessible for all graduates. Further, we work closely with our certified special services staff team to provide accommodations for ALL graduates who need them.

We ask that you please note what needs the graduate has when registering. Someone from our Special Education Department will reach out to you before the ceremony to ensure their team is ready to assist the graduate and make this day special for your entire family. We will also have dedicated quiet rooms available for graduates who need a quiet space on their graduation day.

Q: Will there be a virtual ceremony?
A: We are not conducting a virtual ceremony this year. We will hold six live, in-person ceremonies. However, each ceremony will be livestreamed to Epic’s Facebook page, facebook.com/epiccharterschools, and the website’s home page, epiccharterschools.org.

Recordings from each ceremony will be uploaded to the Epic website and Epic YouTube channel. Look for them to be added to this webpage following the ceremony.

Q: Will there be a slide show?
A: Seniors may upload their photos for the slide show, which will run before the start of each ceremony. Due to the size of this year’s graduating class, we are limiting it to one photo per student, and there will be separate slideshows for each location (see below).

• Tulsa Photo Upload Form for May 20: https://forms.gle/58EYwcgyqZNYhu6h6
  The deadline for submissions is Sun., May 7, at Midnight CST
• Norman Photo Upload Form for June 2-3: https://forms.gle/6iy9Rrg8Thwrrdgt6
  The deadline for submissions is Sun., May 21, at Midnight CST

Grand Life Photography is offering free individual photo sessions for Epic students in their Oklahoma City studio. They have Epic caps and gowns available for these sessions. You can book a private session with them at: grandlifephotography.com.

Q: How much are caps and gowns?
A: Cap-and-gown packages $60 each plus tax. Order online by April 3, to have orders shipped to the graduate’s home address. Orders placed between April 3 and April 25 must be picked up at the ceremony.

Herff-Jones will have a booth in the graduate check-in area for ceremony pick-up orders and on-site purchases. Caps and gowns are sold for $60 plus tax (Graduation Regalia package), and cash and credit cards will be accepted.

If you have cap, gown, or tassel issues, please visit the Herff Jones booth. They will be able to assist you and if necessary, make exchanges.

Contact Herff-Jones at 1-866-238-5336 or visit https://epicgrad.com/ for more information. Customer service is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.

Some Native American tribes offer special opportunities to their graduating members, such as specific stoles or assistance purchasing graduation regalia. Epic’s Multicultural Programs team is in contact with Oklahoma tribes to see what assistance and opportunities they offer for their high school graduates. Learn more at epiccharterschools.org/native-student-grad-resources.html.

Q: Can the Learning Fund be used to pay for caps and gowns?
A: No. Since these items are traditionally saved as keepsakes and sizes vary, the Learning Fund may not be used.

Q: Can I decorate my cap?
A: Absolutely. We ask that you keep it tasteful as this is a family event.

Q: Are graduation yard signs available?
A: Herff-Jones, our cap-and-gown vendor offers customizable yard signs with the Epic school logo and colors. There are multiple options to choose from, each made of heavy-duty corrugated plastic. These will ship to the student’s home within 48 hours of placing an order.

Here is the link to view the designs and/or place an order: https://epicgrad.com/.

Q: What honors does Epic recognize in the commencement ceremony and program?
A: Epic will provide the following honor cords, stoles and medals for students who qualify:

• Valedictorian* – Valedictorian distinction will be awarded to anticipated graduates whose weighted cumulative grade point average is higher than a 4.25 as of the end of the first semester. Such students will receive a valedictorian medal at the graduation ceremony.
• Salutatorian* – Salutatorian distinction will be awarded to anticipated graduates whose weighted cumulative grade point average is between a 4.01 and a 4.25 as of the end of the first semester. Such students will receive a salutatorian medal at the graduation ceremony.
• U.S. Presidential Scholars Program – The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Students who meet specific requirements within the General Component, Arts Component or CTE Component may receive a nomination. Learn more at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp. Epic graduates recognized for this honor will receive a medal at graduation.
• National Merit Scholarship Program – The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High School students who meet published program entry and participation requirements enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) at the specified time in the high school program. Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the program. Learn more at https://www.nationalmerit.org. Epic graduates recognized for this honor will receive a medal at graduation.
• Oklahoma Academic Scholar – The purpose of the Oklahoma Academic Scholar program is to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of graduating seniors in compliance with State law which became effective in 1986. Graduating seniors who meet grade point average and ACT/SAT requirements as of the end of the first semester shall be recognized by the local school district and the State Board of Education as an Oklahoma Academic Scholar. Learn more at https://sde.ok.gov/academic-scholar-recognition-program. Oklahoma Academic Scholars receive a certificate of recognition from the State Board of Education and their local high school, a gold seal affixed to their diploma, a green honor cord and the honor recorded on their official transcript.
• Superintendent’s Honor Roll** – Superintendent’s Honor Roll is a distinction for all students earning a 4.0 as of the end of the first semester and they are awarded a double blue and gold honor cord at graduation.
• Principal’s Honor Roll** – Principal’s Honor Roll is a distinction for all students earning between a 3.5 and a 3.99 as of the end of the first semester and they are awarded a white honor cord at graduation.
• National Honor Society* – Students in the National Honor Society will receive a white NHS stole. If you were inducted into the National Honor Society at another school or district, you will need to transfer your membership to Epic. Learn more at: epiccharterschools.org/national-honor-society
• Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society – Students who are identified as being members of the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society will receive a turquoise honor cord at graduation.
• Associates Degree through area college or ECA – Students who earned their associate’s degree concurrently with their high school diploma will receive a blue and white stole at graduation. If a student received their associate degree through an area college, they must contact Shannon Starr at shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org by March 1st. If it was earned through ECA/TEL, please contact Angie Lee at angie.lee@epiccharterschools.org.
• 1+ Year of College through an area college or ECA– Students who complete a year or more of college will receive a crimson cord at graduation. If a student earned one full year of credit through an area college, they must contact Shannon Starr at shannon.starr@epiccharterschools.org by March 1st. If it was earned through ECA/TEL, please contact Angie Lee at angie.lee@epiccharterschools.org.
• Career Tech Certification – Students who have scheduled or completed a certification test will receive an orange cord. Students must fill out the google form sent to them on February 20th by Hadley Walters by March 1st.
• Industry-Endorsed Certification – Students who have successfully earned an industry-endorsed certification through the Virtual Internship experience are awarded a light blue cord at graduation.
• Hispanic Student Organization – Members of the Hispanic Student Organization will receive a red cord to wear at graduation.
• Epic Student Council – Members of the Epic Student Council will receive a special stole to wear at graduation.
• Blood Donor – The Oklahoma Blood Institute recognizes students who donate SIX times or more by May 1 of their graduating year with a certificate and honor cord for graduation. The OBI collects this information and sends the certificates and green cords to the school to distribute to graduates.

The stoles, medals and cords listed above will be available for pick up at the commencement ceremonies

Students who have earned honors outside of those listed above are welcome to wear them at the ceremony.

*Valedictorian and salutatorian status will be determined by the weighted cumulative grade point average of all students identified to participate in the graduation ceremony as of the end of the first semester of their senior year.

**To be recognized in the printed graduation program, students must be identified four weeks prior to the print date of the program.

Q: Can I wear awards other than the ones listed above?
A: Absolutely! Students should be recognized for their achievements and we look forward to seeing them with all of their honors.

Q: What if I was in the National Honor Society at another school/district?
A: Students may transfer their membership using the Transfer Membership form found at epiccharterschools.org/national-honor-society.

Q: When will students receive their diplomas?
A: Diplomas have always been mailed during the summer. At the ceremony, students will receive a diploma cover to hold their diploma. Diplomas are typically mailed to graduates beginning in late July-early August.

*Epic assets must be returned prior to diplomas being mailed. The asset team will have a collection table at each ceremony to collect any and all assets from graduates.

Q: What if I don’t receive my diploma?
A: First, students must return all assets in order to receive their diplomas. Once returned, diplomas are mailed to the last address listed for them in PowerSchool. We also have a diploma reprint form which can be found on our website at epiccharterschools.org/diploma. This form can be used to request reprints of diplomas for past years as well. Please note it can take up to two weeks for diplomas arrive in the mail from the day they were sent.

Q: What is the deadline to be listed in the graduation program?
A: To be guaranteed listing in the graduation program, a student must have a projected graduation date of June of that school year no later than May 1 of the same school year.

Q: What about senior photos?
A: There will be professional photographers from Grand Life Photography taking pictures of graduates both before each ceremony and as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas cover. Proofs will be emailed to graduates and their families in the days and weeks following the ceremony. There is no obligation to buy.

Grand Life Photography is offering individual photo sessions for Epic students in their Oklahoma City studio at no charge. They do have Epic caps and gowns available for these sessions. You can book a session through them at grandlifephotography.com/.

Q: Can students order official announcements?
A: You are welcome to use any vendor you like, but Epic has no formal arrangements with any particular company.

Q: Will accommodations be made for the deaf and hard of hearing?
A: Yes. We ask that students notify us of the number of guests in their party who may need this service. Just email epicevents@epiccharterschools.org. When registering, please note on the accommodations dropdown that an interpreter will be needed.

Q: What about wheelchair access or seating for family and friends who need assistance?
A: When you register, we ask if you need such accommodations and we will certainly provide them. All three facilities are ADA-compliant.

Q: Did we miss anything?
A: Probably. But, we plan to keep you updated throughout the year. Save this page in your bookmarks or email us at epicevents@epiccharterschools.org with your questions or suggestions of additional things we should add to this page. We want to make sure you have all of the information you need to plan for your big day!

If you would like to be included in the Graduate slide show that will run on the scoreboards before the start of each ceremony, just submit your current photo using one of the forms below. With such a large graduating class, we are limiting it to just one photo each (current) and ask that you submit your photo for the location where you will be participating. Yes, there will be separate slide shows for Tulsa and Norman. That way we may be able to play through them all twice as guests are being seated and graduates are checking in, having their photographs taken and preparing for the ceremony.

Tulsa Photo Upload Form for May 20
The deadline for submissions for the Tulsa ceremonies is Sun., May 7, at midnight CST.

Norman Photo Upload Form for June 2-3
The deadline for submissions for the Norman ceremonies is Sun., May 21, at midnight CST.

No photos will be accepted after these dates to allow time for editing and testing of the presentation and to follow along with the deadlines for media submissions set forth by the venues. Thank you for your understanding.

Epic caps and gowns will be available at Epic School Picture Days for graduates who would like to get their photos made in graduation regalia before ordering their caps and gowns. Learn more about these dates and register at epiccharterschools.org/epic-school-picture-days.html.

Grand Life Photography offers individual photo sessions for Epic students in their Oklahoma City studio at no charge. They do have Epic caps and gowns available for these sessions. You can book a session through them at grandlifephotography.com/.