During a recent government meeting, significant discussions highlighted the achievements of Rise Academy, a specialized program within EPIC aimed at supporting high school students who are credit deficient. The program has shown promising results, with 164 students making progress toward their appropriate grade levels and 53 graduates this year. In total, students earned 1,634.5 credits, with 198 students benefiting from counseling and wraparound services, and 28 receiving assistance from school-based social services.

The meeting underscored the importance of this initiative, particularly for Oklahoma's vulnerable youth population. The staff's dedication to creating a supportive environment was praised, especially during graduation ceremonies, which were described as seamless and celebratory. The emotional impact of these events was evident, as staff members worked to ensure students felt welcomed and comfortable despite the challenges they faced.

A poignant moment in the meeting featured a testimony from Isabella Ratcliffe, a student who overcame significant hardships, including a battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Her story resonated with many, illustrating the struggles faced by numerous children in Oklahoma. Isabella shared her experiences with memory loss and learning difficulties, emphasizing the critical role that EPIC and its tailored educational programs played in her recovery and academic journey.

The discussions at the meeting not only celebrated the successes of Rise Academy but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by students in similar situations, reinforcing the need for continued support and innovative educational solutions.