New students gather in the gymnasium to listen to health and physical education teacher Yolanda Boothe’s conclusion speech on Aug. 19, 2025. Photo used with permission from Michele Clark.

Over 400 freshmen and new students attended the New Student Orientation on Aug. 19, 2025.

After checking in at noon, students had the opportunity to visit various booths representing extracurricular sports, clubs and activities. Over 200 club representatives were present with posters, candy, music and games to promote their given activity.

New students then gathered in the auditorium, where they were separated into their groups for the day.

SCA leaders and other student ambassadors led assigned groups that toured the school and participated in activities in the auditorium, schola and gymnasium.

“The most beneficial part was the tour groups,” senior and SCA member Abbie Tignor said. “Being able to walk around the school not only with other freshmen but also the upperclassmen leading the groups gave them familiar faces and new friendships.”

In the auditorium, they had an opportunity to ask any one of the six students who participated in the student panel questions they had about Ocean Lakes; Robinson Chen, Teagan Hilbert, Meya Norton, Mahi Sakharpe, Austin Stegerwald and Gabe Williams were members of the student panel. Questions addressed student life, academic success, getting involved and concerns about personal growth. The day concluded with a motivational speech from health and physical education teacher Yolanda Boothe in the gym.

“My favorite part was seeing all the different clubs they had to offer,” freshman Paisley Walker said. “In middle school there was not something for everyone so seeing all the things they had to offer was welcoming.”