• • Summer break is only a week away! •
  • • Week of 05/19: AP late exams •
  • • 05/26: Memorial Day (no school) •
  • • 05/27: Adjusted Schedule (SOLs) •
  • • 05/28: Adjusted Schedule (SOLs) •
  • • 05/29: Adjusted Schedule (SOLs) •
  • • 05/30: Adjusted Schedule (SOLs) •
The Student News Site of Ocean Lakes High School

The Current
The Student News Site of Ocean Lakes High School

The Current
The Student News Site of Ocean Lakes High School

The Current
All content by Fara Wiles
Claire LeBlanc and Leslie Ittner together after a staff meeting in the Schola on June 2, 2025. They met to discuss next year with Leslie Ittner as the new principal.

[Photo] Ocean Lakes welcomes new principal for next school year

Madison Murphy, Staff Writer
June 13, 2025
Dr. Claire LeBlanc stands with a sign surrounded by affectionate notes from students. The sign and notes were a part of principal appreciation week.

[Photo] LeBlanc leaves a legacy

Nash Phillips, Managing Editor
June 13, 2025
Royalty Step team performs during founders week performance on March 4th, 2025. Their performance showcases their synchronized moves and teamwork.

[Photo] Step team finds its rhythm

Melissa Romero, Staff Writer
March 20, 2025
The Current veteran staff poses with a Chance the dolphin cutout and the Certificate of Adoption for the dolphin. Photo taken on March 12, 2025 outside of Ocean Lakes High School.

[Photo] A deep dive into dolphin endangerment

Anna Daubenspeck, Staff Writer
March 17, 2025
Elyse Brown, executive director for the Ronald McDonald House of Norfolk, came to speak for the organization on March 3, 2025, in the Schola from 9 to 10 a.m. Aberihanna Thornton introduced the session.

[Photo] Founder’s Week gives back to Ronald McDonald House

Raizel Dino, Staff Writer
March 11, 2025
Step Team Coach Sarah Burford and Captain Tajyhia Manuel stand in the English hallway beside a poster advertising the upcoming talent show. The show will happen on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

[Photo] Dolphin Dash and OLTC revive annual talent show

Meenal Alagumuthu, Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
From left to right: seniors Tajiyah Manual, Marlie Smith, Thomas Dillard and junior Anna Daubenspeck hand out breakfast to teachers with the snack cart. Morning breakfast comes around on the first day of the new semester to thank teachers for being outstanding. Photo taken by Fara Wiles.

[Photo] Students and staff jump-start new semester

Lexi Elliott, Staff Writer
February 11, 2025
Students in Fara Wiles English class in block 1 display their poems, on Oct. 15, 2024. The students wrote animal poems to better understand symbolism, and the illustrated them with watercolors.

[Photo] Poetry deserves more attention

Dominic Zdan, Entertainment Editor
January 24, 2025
School board member Jessica Owens speaks with students in Fara Wiles’ class about the new cellphone policy in Room 127 on Nov. 22, 2024. She visited Ocean Lakes as part of the school board's efforts to gather input from students. Pictured, from left to right: Ryne Bracknell, Chloe Purvis, Isaiah Omier, Jessica Owens.

[Photo] School board visits classrooms, gathers input on new cellphone policy

Austin Stegerwald, Opinion Editor
December 10, 2024
Christina Barnhart received her 2026 Ocean Lakes High School Teacher of the Year award on Oct. 21, 2024 in the Schola at Ocean Lakes High School. Distinguished teacher candidates for the award included math teacher Jack Bayliss, Latin teacher Shirley Hall and English teacher Fara Wiles.

[Photo] Christina Barnhart, permanent substitute to OLHS Teacher of the Year

Raizel Dino, Staff Writer
November 5, 2024
Freshmen Maya Phillips and Aimree Szczepanski show off their country attire in the English hallway on Oct. 24, 2024. This was the last spirit day before the grade-level color war and spirit assembly on Friday.

[Photo] Students show off school spirit during annual Homecoming Spirit Week

Mihika Sakharpe, Webmaster; Features Editor
October 26, 2024
Social studies teachers Michael Boomer (left) and Erin Lunenfeld (right) speak about their experiences to an audience of upperclassmen in the Schola on September 11, 2024. Lunenfeld was approximately 15 miles away when the Twin Towers were attacked on September 11, 2001.

[Photo] “I saw the South Tower fall”

Mihika Sakharpe, Webmaster; Features Editor
September 11, 2024
Assistant principal Jessica Pagan brought her three children to school on National Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day on April 25, 2024. Pictured here is the four of them in the English hallway.

[Photo] Teachers bring their kids to work

Ari O’Brien, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
Ocean Lakes senior Aboubakr Sissoko presents his project about the different types of thyroid disease on March 22, 2024.

[Photo] MSA students showcase their senior presentations

Marlie Smith, Girls Sports Editor
March 23, 2024
Royalty Step Team performs at Founders Week in the auditorium on March 1, 2024.

[Photo] Royalty step team proves nobility at Founders Week

Aya Smith, Staff Writer
March 4, 2024
Freshmen Anna Lewis, Emilia McFarland, Acelyn Juhas and Naysa Doan flood bins with gently used shoes for Soles4Souls. Founders Week is full of reminders to be an upstanding member of the Ocean Lakes community.

[Photo] Ocean Lakes’ Dolphins support Soles4Souls during Founders’ Week

Kaia Jackson, Staff Writer
March 1, 2024
Freshman Tristan Meester scours the ATC pamphlet for course information in Room 127 during Honors English 9 on, Nov. 17, 2023. He is searching for courses to continue his ongoing ATC studies.

[Photo] Advanced Technology Center electrifies future careers

Dominic Zdan, Staff Writer
November 28, 2023
Evelyn Luma and Julia Candra hold a Sonic toothbrush on Oct. 30, 2023, at a family dentistry. Luma sponsors Ocean Lakes and donates both time and money to various efforts for students such as the ADC charity golf tournament.

[Photo] Health department covers children dental care

Kayla Carter, Staff Writer
November 12, 2023
Sophomores Jayden Hahn, Aaron Betrand, Patrick Cook rally with friends in room 127 during One Lunch to eat and socialize.

[Photo] Beloved One Lunch returns

August 26, 2023
Senior Tahmiah Thomas and Kristjon Williams enjoy a break from the dance floor in Virginia Beach's Convention Center. Photo taken on Sat., June 3, 2023.

[Photo] Prom ignites a busy month ahead for class of 2023

June 5, 2023
Kristi Bayer gathers SOL materials in room 126 at Ocean Lakes High School on Jan. 24, 2023.

[Photo] The importance of SOLs

Kalynn Marshall, Staff Writer
May 26, 2023
Freshmen Cooper Stuart, Bach Troung, Shane Six and William Yang play chess together on March 21, 2022.

[Photo] Chess captures minds of students

Andrew Wu, Copy Editor
March 20, 2023
Freshmen Brielle Jones and Olyvea Johnson admit they are besties this Valentine's Day and participate in The Current's 'Love at the Lakes' Instagram post on February 14, 2023.

[Photo] Ditch Valentine’s for Galentine’s

Madison Mellon, Opinion editor
February 18, 2023
Senior Vincent Baker and juniors Anna Kainkuzniewski and Rev Renukunta promote Leadership Workshop in room 127 on Jan. 23, 2023.

[Photo] Leadership Workshop returns to camp, aims to build student leaders

Chloe Purvis, Staff Writer
February 11, 2023
Ocean Lakes custodian, Chi Ha, smiles as he moves to clean the music hallway on Jan. 27, 2023.

[Photo] Beloved custodian comes to U.S. in 1987, after an escape from Vietnam

Ari O’Brien, Staff Writer
February 18, 2023
Sophomore Marlie Smith dribbles past her opponent at the game against Green Run on Jan. 5, 2023 at Green Run High School.

[Photo] JV girls basketball gets their head in the game

Lily Lipsky, Staff Writer
January 9, 2023
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[Photo] Humans of OL: Reyhan Akkale

June 16, 2022
Dylan Miller, Mark Murphy and Jason Zuniga practice in room 118, the new piano classroom.

[Photo] Piano room, the new hub is key to learning

Kaylynn Hawkins, Staff Writer
December 22, 2022
Laura Eldredge stands next to Micheal Nestor with her Virginia High School League Merit award she received on Nov. 7, 2022.

[Photo] Former swimmer passes down love for the sport

Kylie Sutton, Staff Writer
December 6, 2022
2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Michelle Bailey-Hennessey celebrates her accomplishment alongside the three other nominees: Claude Blanchard, Jordan Turner, and Sarah Burford on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022.

[Photo] Astronomy teacher recognized as Teacher of the Year

Rachael Strong, Design Editor
December 5, 2022
Junior Ashley Barclift complains to English teacher Fara Wiles on Nov. 3, 2022 about how students continuously throw out their oranges during lunch.

[Photo] School lunch prompts big topic of discussion

Nathanial Swindle, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
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Sarah Burford can be found in the hallway after school, advising the step team. Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2022 by Fara Wiles

[Photo] New energy leads the English Department

Ellie Perkins, Staff Writer
October 20, 2022
Lt. Henry Cedeño, Samuel Smith, and another Navy representative wait for students to exit auditorium in order to sign a complimentary Blue Angels poster. Each student who attended the assembly was given a colored poster that illustrated the Blue Angels flying over the Virginia Beach coastline.

[Photo] Dolphin turned Blue Angel speaks to students

Rachael Strong, Design Editor
October 3, 2022
Varsity field hockey poses for a team picture at Ocean Lakes before their game against rivals Cox on Sep.22.

[Photo] Varsity field hockey climbing up the ranks

Barrett Scharfe, Sports editor
September 23, 2022
Lt. Henry Cendeño presents to the upperclassmen about the Blue Angels on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at Ocean Lakes High School.

Senior Omar Abul-Hassan smiles in the OL hallway April 8, 2022 after taking home fourth place in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

[Photo] Filtering out the competition

Halle Packard, Co-Features Editor
June 13, 2022
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[Photo] Logan and Chris search for luck on Saint Patrick’s Day

Chris Pugh and Logan Stanton, Video editor/Staff Writer
March 23, 2022
Senior Kaitlyn Hertz presents “Pain Means No Gain” project on March 2,2022 in the Ocean Lakes High School Schola.

[Photo] Senior presentations show off future goals, tissue engineering

March 25, 2022
Freshman Gabby Allison doodles often to express ideas.

[Photo] Doodling speaks of creativity

February 7, 2022
Freshman Kylee Charoenpojana and Jayden Duagan sketch in advisory as a way to relieve stress on Jan. 6.

[Photo] Mental health matters too

Halle Packard, Staff Writer
February 9, 2022
Seniors Brayden Scharfe and Maggie Furco were assigned to Fara Wiles advisory block on Thurs., Feb. 3, and they generated interest by sharing a video they created. 

[Photo] Leadership workshop rounds up, revs up

Kenshin Dean, Opinion Editor
February 4, 2022
Senior, Alyssa Schleder, interviews Principal Dr. Claire LeBlanc in room 127 on Oct. 21.

[Photo] Back to School Q & A with the Principal

Aly Schleder, Features Editor
November 9, 2021
Homecoming spirit week started with Jersey Day Monday. Featured here is Marcell Whitfield, a senior, surrounded by Caleb Johnson and Ellie Kuzniewski.

[Photo] Homecoming or nocoming, get ready for 'a night under the stars'

October 22, 2021
Students participate in the return to school building tour event on Sept. 1 at Ocean Lakes, guided by SCA students Naya Thompson and Ruoming Shen.

[Photo] Students to participate in Return to School Events

Linh Cao, News Editor
September 1, 2021
Senior class throws caps into the air to end their graduation ceremony after Principal Claire LeBlanc announces them high school graduates.

[Photo] Class of 2021 bids adieu

June 19, 2021
Daniel Barger's economic class packs beach bags during second block on June 8.

[Photo] Beach Bags program builds school unity

June 9, 2021
Boys soccer conclude the regular season with a victory over Bayside 4-0 on Tuesday, June 1 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

[Photo] Younger team changes culture, builds for future wins

Matt Seaman, Sports Editor
June 3, 2021
Yearbook staff members, Amba May Parker, Justine Newman, and Bella Kapp make edits and add final touches to the 2021 yearbook in Room 145.

[Photo] Yearbook goes the distance, produces despite obstacles

Linh Cao, Staff Writer
May 28, 2021
During advisory, journalism class listens to Dr. Aaron Spence, School Board member Sharon Felton, and other school officials to discuss future plans for the upcoming school year.

[Photo] Dr. Spence stops by

Alayna Caravas and Josh Brown
May 20, 2021
Seniors Reese Thornton and Alan Ledezma were crowned homecoming king and queen and take the field for pictures.

[Photo] Homecoming week travels to an end

Rachael Strong, Staff Writer
May 12, 2021
Yearbook staff: Amba May Parker, Justine Newnam, and Bella Kapp make edits and add final touches of the yearbook in Room 145.

Students Justin Orchard-Hayes, Charlotte Meader, Dylan Win, Aarushi Patel, and Mia Mcconathy help decorate for spirit week

This year's homecoming queen and king take the field.

Freshman, Barret Scharfe and Dakota Flaherty, two of this year’s homecoming court finalists.

Math teacher Susan John and other Virginian residents stand in line to receive their second vaccination at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Feb. 18.

[Photo] Locals receive second COVID-19 vaccination

February 23, 2021
Interim IT Rome Meija distributes nearly 100 laptops as of Jan. 14, in room 101.

[Photo] Staff receives new technology

January 29, 2021
Class of 2021 officers created colorful posters in Kristi Bayer’s classroom for two days to greet the upperclassmen who will return to school on Nov. 12.

[Photo] VBCPS announces upperclassmen return to school

October 29, 2020
Ocean Lakes teachers Ashley. Adams and Morgan Latimer show some dolphin spirit on Friday and show off their "Something in the Water" masks.

The freshmen from Fara Wiles English class toured the building as they walked 6-feet apart to social distance.

[Photo] Freshmen first to take on face-to-face instruction

October 7, 2020
Dolphin mascot welcomes new students in a drive-by orientation in the school's parking lots.

[Photo] Back to School looks a little different this year

September 5, 2020
Virginia Beach has a memorial on Court House Drive for all of the victims we lost on this day

[Photo] City remembers the why behind #VBstrong

Matt Seaman, Staff Writer
June 3, 2020
Seniors Andrea Granada and Maria Bettilyon tryout for varsity soccer on Feb. 24, and the team formed on Feb. 26, only to be delayed until further notice.

[Photo] Coronavirus delays spring sports

March 19, 2020
Indoor track runners Sophia Pommerank, Sophie Richardson, Cailan Juhas, Amanda Suh, and Drew Cavanaugh warm up for a short and fast sprint workout despite the chilly weather. Jan. 22, 2020.

[Photo] Plenty of options to stay fit this winter

January 22, 2020
Patrick Rostock stands with his Teacher of the Year after the Distinguished Teacher Ceremony in the Schola on Dec. 16, 2019.

[Photo] Teacher of the Year awarded to French teacher

Abigail Hicks, News Editor
December 20, 2019
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Senior Grace Strzalko enjoyed a pumpkin pie spice latte and a honey lavender latte from Sawmill Road.

[Photo] Cold weather demands a search for VB’s finest latte

Alexis Cardenas, Staff Writer
December 2, 2019
Two lattes from Sawdust Road

During one lunch students compared costumes, Photo taken on Oct. 31.

[Photo] Students showcase spooky costumes this Halloween

October 31, 2019
From left to right: field hockey coaches Kristen Vick and Alexandria Ostich smile after a victory at Salem High School on Oct. 3.

[Photo] New field hockey coaches bring spirit to team

Joshua Esposo, Staff Writer
October 6, 2019
Senior Breanna Acosta talks to MBU admissions counselor Brittany Roberts about the programs available through the college.

[Photo] Mary Baldwin University admissions rep visits during lunch

September 29, 2019
Marching band performs for incoming students at the beginning of the fall sports assembly. Photo taken on Sept. 25.

[Photo] First school assembly showcases fall sports, demonstrates school values

September 27, 2019
Golf team stands for recognition at fall sports assembly on Sept. 25.

[Photo] Golf team finishes season with winning record

September 27, 2019
Treadmills at Onelife Fitness Redmill.

[Photo] Fitness center partners up with schools to promote health, community

Jacob Ward, Staff Writer
September 22, 2019
David Jimerson trains new pod squad member Ian Jones to problem solve a Promethean Board projection issue in room 127.

[Photo] POD Squad trains for new school year, provides solutions to tech issues

September 21, 2019
Freshmen picked up Chrome books at orientation.

Student volunteers wear yellow t-shirts to distinguish themselves as team guides.

[Photo] Destination Dolphin new student orientation, summer success

Abby Asimos, Editor-in-Chief
August 24, 2019
Upperclassmen AVID students hold booth to build course awareness and interest.

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This junior scoured the rack outside of room 115 because she was "lured in by the striped pants."

[Photo] Giving old clothes new life, FCCA Club starts new initiative

May 17, 2019
JV baseball walks back to the dugout after an inning on April 25 against Bayside.

[Photo] JV baseball secures win against Bayside

Josh Garcia, Staff Writer
April 28, 2019
Students Danni Ramdhan, Cody Green, and Brandy Flowers spend time in Makerspace to paint rocks. Intended to spread kindness, students use artistic materials to share inspiration with each other.

[Photo] Makerspace project spreads message of kindness

April 23, 2019
Admin wears purple to support students of military families on April 10.

[Photo] School district ‘purples up’ to support military

April 11, 2019
Teacher of the Year, Carlin Conaway, poses in front of her classroom door designed by SCA.

[Photo] Carlin Conaway recognized as Teacher of the Year

January 30, 2019
PTSA President Sandra McDonald waits patiently for her next customer at the auditorium foyer on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

[Photo] PTSA present poinsettias to purchase

Josh Garcia, Staff Writer
December 14, 2018
Jackson Ploeger connecting a school laptop to a printer.

[Photo] Humans of OL: Jackson Ploeger

October 21, 2018
Seniors Madison Coleman and Nick Vogel, this year's homecoming queen and king, smile for the camera as they enjoy recent announcement, crowned by principal Claire LeBlanc.

Seniors Madison Coleman and Nick Vogel, this year's homecoming queen and king, smile for the camera as they enjoy recent announcement, crowned by principal Claire LeBlanc.

Sophomores (from left to right) Meher Mohann, Kristin Glasier, and Kelly McCarty attentively watch the Homecoming game on Oct. 13.

[Photo] Exploring the power of the crowd, how it affects athletic ability

October 24, 2018
Lady dolphins gain posession of ball from FC.

[Photo] JV field hockey shares optimism for fall season

Chloe Bishop, Staff Writer, News Editor
September 24, 2018
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