Founder’s Week celebrates the 29th anniversary of Ocean Lakes and the “dolphin way,” by showcasing a community of alumni through speakers, presentations, assemblies, service projects and more.
It also emphasizes what it means to be a student at Ocean Lakes. The main goal for the week is to highlight what makes this community unique and what students can learn from each other.
“This year’s theme, ‘One Pod, One Purpose,’ carries on the legacy of Ocean Lakes’ first principal, Jerry Deviney, to be an inclusive, inviting school. We know that to achieve this, it is crucial to support a culture where diversity is embraced, learning supports are available and properly utilized, and flexible learning experiences focus on the individual student. We are excited about our ‘lineup’ for the week and hope you will be able to join us,” said Principal Dr. Claire LeBlanc.
This year’s Founders Week will be held in the first week of March instead of February as it traditionally is, due to the school’s 29th anniversary on March 7. In addition, International Women’s Day falls on March 8, allowing an opportunity to exhibit noteworthy female alumni during the week.
“Every year we try to have a service learning project that goes on throughout the week, and with that service learning project, it could be just giving back to the community through donations or other options. This year we will be focusing on the Seton Youth Shelter by collecting items to donate to them,” said Assistant Principal Amanda Malbon.
Leadership Workshop staff will still hold instructionals, icebreakers, games and activities with debriefings.
“The idea came up at the Student Advisory Council meeting with Dr. LeBlanc and Mrs. Malbon, where we were discussing general ideas on how to improve our school,” said junior Rev Renukunta. “I am a firm believer in the power of Leadership Workshop. It can really transform a person’s outlook on school and life in general.”
An all-school assembly will occur in the gym with author, activist and motivational speaker Monti Washinton as the keynote speaker.
“After our all-school assembly on Friday we will be inviting students and sponsors from other high schools to come to have lunch and a private session with the keynote speaker to grow our message out to the community,” said Malbon.
Monday through Thursday presentations and session speakers will be in the auditorium, Leadership Workshop instructionals in the library and MSA presentations in the Schola that teachers and students can sign up for. In addition, one day during the week the academic letter and star ceremony will take place based on the student’s semester GPA.
“I am most excited for the feeling that I felt going through Founders Week when I was a student and having other students feel the same way. This feeling brings us all together and connects us throughout the week,” said Malbon.