Incoming Ocean Lakes seniors gather for a big group photo as a commemorative beginning to their last year in high school during sunrise on Aug. 25, 2024. Photo used with permission from Chase Bonfiglio.

Every year, schools around Virginia Beach gather their seniors to watch the sunrise, symbolically kicking off their last year of high school. 

Ocean Lakes’ Class of 2025 met at Sandbridge Beach on Aug. 25, 2024, for Senior Sunrise.

“We had a great turnout, and I’m just glad we got to kick off senior year this way,” said Class of 2025 President Gillian Gutierrez.

Despite the early start time of 5:45 a.m., well over 100 Dolphins were in attendance. With this high turnout, many chose to take pictures and play Spikeball on the beach, while others ventured out to the sandbar in the water. 

“It’s early, I’m tired, but this was very well-planned, and I’m very excited to see everybody again,” said senior Ben Knight. “It’s a great way to reopen the social circle and begin our senior year.” 

At 6:30 a.m., all attendees gathered for a group picture with the sunrise in the backdrop. Besides the group photo, many could be seen posing with a senior sunrise sign and balloons with the number 25. 

“I’m seeing a lot of people that I wouldn’t otherwise see until school starts; it’s nice to bask in the glory of high school almost being over,” said senior Thomas Dillard. 

An event like this is not without significant planning. Coordinating dates, making the class banner and coordinating photo-ops were all projects undertaken by the Class of 2025 officers. 

“Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the class,” said Class of 2025 Treasurer Nina Elizondo.