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“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
— Oprah Winfrey

 
 

Staff Recognition and Awards

During the last meeting of the year, awards were given to staff to recognize their work. These awards acknowledged achievement in various areas, including most growth, school spirit, resourcefulness, excellence, and discretionary effort. Staff members were recognized by school leadership as well as through peer nominations. We are thankful for our dedicated staff members and wish them rest and relaxation this summer.

If you or someone you know may be interested in joining the EPIC team, please view our page for information on our current opportunities.

 
 

School Highlights

With the end of the year wrapping up, May and June have been busy for students and staff at EPIC Academy. Marked by excitement for the future, reflection on the past school year, and celebration, the last month has been event filled. Our students have explored their college and career options, shown they are prepared for success in the future and invested their time and energy into their school and the greater community. Here are a few highlights from our recent event.

Let There be Peace

On Saturday, May 14, Celeste Roman (class of ‘22) led students from Culture Club along with other EPIC students in the planning and execution of a community event titled “Let There Be Peace.” The event featured healthcare information and resources, free clothing, food, games, face painting, music, and more. Representatives from the CAPS program from Police District 4 mingled and danced with community members and the fire department hosted truck tours. Community members of all ages showed up to gather together and have a good time in a safe and supportive environment.

Partners include Spanish Coalition, South Shore Hospital, Access Community Health Center, New Life Spanish Campus, and Harbor Indiana Church.

The event was a success and the message about community members coming together to lend a hand, show kindness, and promote peace resonated throughout the event. We are proud of our young leaders and their desire to invest in and improve their community.

Decision Day

On Wednesday, May 18, we hosted our Senior Decision Day event and celebrated the achievements of our scholars and recognized their post-secondary plans, which include attending college or a trade school, enlisting in the military, or going into the workforce.

Throughout the evening, we acknowledged the top 11 students with the highest grade point averages for their academic excellence and celebrated the efforts and success of all graduating seniors. Our scholars were awarded more than $5M in scholarships. One student, Fabian Godinez, was awarded more than $1M.

This year was challenging as students returned to in-person learning after a year and a half of remote instruction. We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of our students and staff. We look forward to the bright futures that lie ahead for our Legends.

 

Crew Olympics

On Wednesday, June 1, we held our annual Crew Olympics. This signature all-school competition includes a spirit march to get the day started, led by our marching band as each crew joins in the line and walks out to the competition field. Students competed in a series of tug-of-war, three-legged races, dodge ball, trivia, and an architect challenge to see which crew would take home the win.

There was something for everyone to use their strengths and shine. Winners received prizes such as free yearbooks and wireless earbuds and speakers. Although Crew Olympics is a competition, it is truly a community-building event that fosters teamwork, school spirit, and leadership. Check out these moments from the day's events. 

 

Career Intensives

During the week of June 6, EPIC Academy held our bi-annual Career Intensives. We are grateful for the partners and staff who helped expose our students to potential career paths. EPIC students heard from professionals and worked on projects related to information technology, finance, wholesale distribution, pharmaceutical sales, trading, healthcare, human resources and manufacturing. Early exposure to a career they may not have considered can change a student's career trajectory. Their options are limitless.

 

Investing in Our Future Legends

On June 1, nearly 200 guests joined us at the Palmer House Hilton for an evening filled with fun and inspiration. Guests mingled with other supporters, enjoyed delicious food, heard from current students and alumni about how EPIC has positively impacted their lives and listened to a fireside chat between two of our scholars and our keynote speaker, Mark Payne. With the support of our volunteers, sponsors, attendees, and in-kind and monetary donors, we raised more than $110K. The investment means so much, and we can't wait to share how our students are impacted by the support.

Check out this special video to learn what makes us EPIC.

There is still an opportunity to support our students. Please donate here by June 30.

 

 

New Building Project

On Wednesday, May 25, we received approval from the Chicago Board of Education to build our new school. We are excited to work with our architecture firm, JGMA, and our other partners on this project. The approval is the first step in the process, and we will provide updates at a later time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in supporting students at EPIC Academy. We encourage you to join with other EPIC partners today.

Signing up to be a monthly donor not only benefits EPIC students, but it comes with special perks like EPIC swag, early access to event tickets, private tours of EPIC, and special recognition events (virtual or in-person). Consider becoming a monthly donor. Please select, make this donation recurring on our donation form to sign up today.

Donate today to support programs like Career Intensives, alumni gap scholarships, Freshman Strong Start and after-school activities. 

Multiply Your Impact

  • Did you know there are thousands of companies across the globe that will match the gifts that their employees make to charitable organizations? Since many employees are unaware of this, money allocated to important causes, such as education, is often unused. You could potentially double the impact of your gift to EPIC!
  • Please visit the matching gift page of our website to see if your contributions to EPIC are eligible for a company match. Imagine how many more students could benefit from a matching gift?
 
 
 
 

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EPIC Academy
8255 S. Houston,  | Chicago, Illinois  60617
773-535-7930 | developmentteam@epicacademy.org

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