EPIC Coalition buys cap and gown sets for graduates in need

EPIC Coalition, a Longview-based nonprofit, purchased caps and gowns for 35 Cowlitz County seniors who would not otherwise have been able to attend their graduations this spring.

The initiative was launched in December, and volunteers worked with local schools to find students who could benefit, according to a press release from Educational Service District 112. ESD 112 is the regional state agency that supports school districts in Southwest Washington.

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EPIC provided caps, gowns and tassels for eight students from Discovery High School, four students from Kelso High School and Kelso Virtual Academy, 11 students from Mark Morris High School, seven students from R.A. Long High School and five students from Toutle Lake Jr/Sr High School.

It also purchased 10 honor cords for Discovery High School students.

Cap and gown

Mark Morris High School graduation coach Rebecca Garoutte, left, and guidance secretary Chandra Peters pose with a cap and gown set purchased by EPIC Coalition. The nonprofit purchased sets for 35 Cowlitz County seniors who couldn't afford them on their own.

Discovery is an alternative school in the Longview School District for students who struggle with the traditional high school setting.

The average cost for a cap and gown set, including taxes and fees, is $85, EPIC Community Prevention Coordinator Sarah Hancock wrote in an email.

Cash Sayers

Toutle Lake Jr/Sr High School graduate Cash Sayers poses in a cap and gown donated by EPIC Coalition. The nonprofit provided sets for five Toutle Lake students.

Students who benefited from the program provided anonymous statements in the ESD 112 press release.

"Having my cap and gown makes me feel like, for once in my life, I'm not falling behind everyone else," one student said. "For that, I will be forever grateful."

Xander LaCroix

Toutle Lake Jr/Sr High School graduate Xander LaCroix poses in a cap and gown donated by EPIC Coalition. Cap and gown sets cost an average of $85, EPIC Community Prevention Coordinator Sarah Hancock said.

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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 6:20 PM.