After three years, graduation returns to Beach Convention Center

Dolphin+Medallion+recipient+Marcell+Whitfield+celebrates+Class+of+2022s+Graduation+at+the+Virginia+Beach+Convention+Center.+Friends+and+family+gathered+outside+the+Pavilion+for+photos+and+hugs.

Nicole Beatty

Dolphin Medallion recipient Marcell Whitfield celebrates Class of 2022’s Graduation at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Friends and family gathered outside the Pavilion for photos and hugs.

Over 500 dolphins from Ocean Lakes High School celebrated this year’s graduation at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on June 18, 2022. It was the school’s first time back in three years.

The ceremony began with the singing of our National Anthem and the Ocean Lakes Alma Mater, sung by the Ocean Lakes Choral, and it was followed by two student speakers. The commencement address was given by Dr. Claire R. LeBlanc, who then finished with the Declaration of Graduation, where each graduate was asked to move the tassel on their caps from the right to the left, making them officially alumni of Ocean Lakes High School. Each student tossed their graduation cap into the air.

“My favorite part of the ceremony was definitely being able to participate in the tossing of the caps. Everyone dreams of doing it as a kid, and to be able to do it at our own graduation, was amazing,” said senior Marcell Whitfield. “The speeches were also amazing and inspiring. Shout out to Ayush, Logan and faculty and staff for making our special day that much better,”