Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are the Ephebian funds used ?
A: The dues collected from the graduating Ephebians are used for the costs of the Ephebian administration, the induction ceremony (guest speakers, stage personnel, overhead costs), and support for the Ephebian selection process. Some high schools organize fund raisers or use senior funds to alleviate the cost of Ephebian dues. Each new Ephebian receives two Dodger game tickets, and the chance to win a scholarship if present at the induction. Ephebians are encouraged to write "Member of Ephebian Society" on their college applications and resumés. The candidate must complete a membership form and pay the membership dues to receive this priveledge. Many universities recognize this as a high honor. The Ephebian Society will deny confirmation to college evaluators if the card and dues are not received. Every Ephebian may verify their membership on the Ephebian web/database.
Q: Are there any required activities to attend ?
A: Candidates should be reminded that they are not Ephebians until they have attended the Induction ceremony and formally taken the Ephebic Oath. Absenteeism guarantees that membership not be officially accepted. A proxy can be accepted only in writing by sending a letter of absenteeism along with another candidate to the induction. The letter must indicate the reason for absence and identify the name of a proxy candidate. The location and date for the Induction ceremony is announced on the Ephebian web site www.ephebian.com.
Q: What takes place at the Induction ?
A: Come to the Induction and be seated towards the front to allow space for those arriving later. Invite parents and friends as this is an event honoring the candidates' achievement. A guest speaker and the president or a representative of the Ephebian Society addresses the audience, after which student scholarships are given to random candidates. Candidates must be present to be eligible for the scholarship. One candidate-Ephebian from each school will be asked to come to the podium to announce the roster of new members from their school. He/She will come to the stage when the school's name is announced. This student will be given a package holding the list of Ephebian candidates and Dodger tickets. The Induction concludes with all candidates reciting the Ephebic Oath in unison. The duration of the ceremony is approximately one hour. Food and refreshments are served after the ceremony. Allow time for photos after the ceremony.
Q: What type of attire is appropriate for the Induction ?
A: There is no specific dress code. However many schools take group photos with the Ephebian Society banner after the induction. It is also recommended that the representative for each school dress in semi-formal attire (Boys: Tie and dress shirt; Girls: Semi-formal dress). The representative will read the names from each school on stage and should therefore look his or her best.
Q: How can I be of service ?
A: The future of the Society is one of growth. It is looking for the persons willing to use their talent and time to participate in volunteer programs. At the Induction Ceremony, Ephebian Candidates may select a volunteer event scheduled for sometime this summer. Each group of candidate-Ephebians wishing to do more for their city/community is encouraged to call the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles at (213) 485-6984 or the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles www.vcla.net.. There are many volunteer positions and activities available throughout the city.
Q: When are all Ephebian materials due ?
A: A package is distributed to all LA High School Principals by March 1st through the LAUSD administration, Director of High Schools. All materials (a typed list of candidate Ephebians and all dues sent on one check) are due by May 10. See the Sponsor Checklist. You may make copies of the forms as necessary. Send 1) List of candidates, 2) A single check totaling $20 x number of candidates, and 3) Membership forms through U.S. Postal service to:
Ephebian Society 8419 Lullaby Lane Panorama City, CA 91402-3712
Q: How much are membership dues ?
A: $20.00 per student.
Q: What is the Sponsor Checklist ?
A: The Sponsor Checklist is a list of items that must be completed by the high school Ephebian Sponsor or College Counselor to ensure that Ephebian Candidate names are processed before the induction.
Q: How can I verify that the Ephebian Society received our package ?
A: Upon receipt of a Sponsor package, the Ephebian Society verifies that the sponsor checklist was completed correctly. If so, the candidate names are entered into the web membership database. The sponsor or an Ephebian candidate may verify the list on the Internet at www.ephebian.com. If the checklist is not completed correctly, the names will not be posted and the Society will contact the Sponsor to resolve the problem.
Q: I was selected as an Ephebian many years ago. Why doesn't my name show up in the database ?
A: The Ephebian web database was instituted in 1992. The database is accurate for all graduating classes from 1992 until the present. Prior to 1992 records were not accurate and therefore not posted. The best reference for a list of Ephebians prior to 1992 is your high school yearbook. If you have misplaced your yearbook, contact the administration at your high school. They often keep yearbook archives for historical records.
Q: I was selected as an Ephebian many years ago and would like to have my name added to the website database. How do I do this?
A: You may submit a scanned copy of your High School yearbook which contains documentation that you were selected as an Ephebian. Send it by e-mail to staff@ephebian.com.
Q: I am the sponsor for a Magnet or CES High School. Can we participate in the Ephebian Society selection and how many candidates may be selected ?
A: Magnet and CES High Schools are encouraged to participate in the Ephebian candidate selection. Generally the number of Candidates is limited to the top 2.5%, however Magnet and CES schools sponspors have the discretion to go beyond the 2.5 % (Maximum of 10 students for Magnet and CES Schools) due to the smaller number of graduating seniors at some locations. The Ephebian sponsor must ensure that selected Candidates fulfill the ideals of the Ephebian Society.
Q: We are a year-round high school and may not be able to meet the deadline due to the difficulty in selection of off-track students. Can we turn in the sponsor package late ?
A: You may still turn in the sponsor package after the deadline. This does not guarantee that names will be entered into the web database and that certificates will be printed in time for the Induction ceremony. All schools have ample time to start and complete the Ephebian selection process. Forms are available on the Ephebian website.
Q: Can we submit a list of candidates now and send the membership forms later ?
A: Please do not send items separately. All items on the sponsor checklist must be sent together. Sending the list of candidates ahead of time does not qualify to meet the deadline.
Q: I am a sponsor with only 10 positions available for Ephebian Selection. I feel that applicant number 11 also deserves to be selected. What can I do?
A: Every school is allowed to name the top 2.5% (1 out of 40) of the graduating senior class for Ephebian membership. For example a high school with 600 graduating seniors would select a total of 15 Ephebians. The Ephebian Sponsor has the discretion to go beyond the 2.5% if it is believed that other applicants are deserving. Please make sure any students selected beyond the allotted amount are of good character and true to the ideals of Ephebian membership.
Q: Does the Ephebian Society provide a cord or sash that the Ephebians wear on the day of their high school graduation?
A: No, the Society does not provide a sash. Every participating school recognizes the Ephebian members in a different way. Some schools use a gold sash, others use a gold cord or silver cord. The schools also tend to re-use the sashes for the graduation in the following year. For this reason, it would be difficult to support this for every school. Every school does indicate all the Ephebians by name in the program of the graduation ceremony.