• • September 16: SWENext Interest Meeting (One Lunch, Schola) •
  • • September 16: Pickleball Club Lunch Social (One Lunch, 250) •
  • • September 16: Astronomy Club (One Lunch, 223) •
  • • September 17: Ballroom Dance Club (One Lunch, 250) •
  • • September 19-21: NAS Oceana Air Show •
  • • October 4: Homecoming 2025 •
  • • Hall Dec (ALL CLASSES, FULL WEEK) •
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
Larissa Almendras

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer

Larissa Almendras is a senior, third-year journalist and staff writer for The Current. She takes pictures for all Ocean Lakes sports which she really enjoys. In her free time she likes to bake, hang out with friends and watch movies. She hopes to continue her photography career in college and major in education or sports media.

All content by Larissa Almendras
From left to right: Senior Chris Castillo, Christopher Barnhart and Christina Barnhart smile after both Barnharts were awarded Coach of the Year at Virginia Beach Sports Club Jamboree on June 5, 2025. Photo used with permission by Christina Barnhart.

Girls volleyball coach aces Female Coach of the Year

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
June 13, 2025
Ocean Lakes Class of 2025 students who attended Ocean Lakes Elementary School smile on the bus after receiving cards from the elementary school students on June 5, 2025, at Ocean Lakes Elementary School. Photo used with permission from Michele Clark.

Dolphins ride the wave through Grad Walks

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
June 13, 2025
Dr. Claire LeBlanc poses for a photo with her number one fan, assistant principal James Imbriale. This photo was taken before her last-ever all-school assembly as principal of Ocean Lakes High School.

[Photo] LeBlanc leaves a legacy

June 13, 2025
Baseball team creates tunnel as a way to celebrate Lindsey (Lou) Brown's contributions to the team during their senior night game on May 22, 2025, at Ocean Lakes High School. The boys defeated Norview High School 10-0.

[Photo] Brown molds baseball team culture one bead at a time

Khadija Sissoko, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2025
During the Spring Assembly on March 28, 2025, Ocean Lakes High school seniors sit on the ground while sports teams surround them with their hands wrapped around each other. Each assembly PE teacher Yolanda Boothe finishes up by giving a speech about how high school is fleeting, telling each student and teacher that they are "somebody."

[Photo] How to create a positive outlook in life

Anna Keck, Stall Seat Journal Editor
May 15, 2025
Junior Tre Hamilton celebrates with his team after a three-run home run to left field at Ocean Lakes High School on April 24, 2025. The Dolphins were in the lead 5-0 at the end of the fifth inning.

Varsity baseball ambushes Kellam Knights

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
May 1, 2025
Junior Anna Wiggins dribbles the ball down the field on April 25, 2025, at Floyd E. Kellam High School. Anna has been a key player for the team this year.

[Photo] Girls soccer takes on defending state champions

Erin Broderick, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2025
Sophomore Kennedy Walls, seniors Rania Jacobs, Veronica Watkins, Kairi Heinrichs and junior Larissa Almendras enjoy a ride on the E-train in Brooklyn, New York, on April 10, 2025. They enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Hudson River shortly after.

[Photo] The city that never sleeps

Ryland King, Staff Writer
May 1, 2025
Sophomore Addison Duprey dribbles up the field along with freshman Sydney Hunn at Great Bridge High School on March 28, 2025. The Dolphins managed to score in the first half of the game.

Girls soccer upsets ranked opponent

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
April 3, 2025
Senior Maddi Fisher dribbles the ball up the court at Kempsville High School on Jan. 7, 2025. Ocean Lakes went on to defeat Kempsville 53-38.

[Photo] Senior signs to inaugural Tidewater Community College basketball team

Erin Broderick, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2025
Junior Tre Hamilton batted from the right side of the plate during a game against First Colonial High School on March 20, 2025. Tre was the only run scorer of the game, which ended in a 7-1 defeat.

[Photo] Varsity baseball slides into another championship

Marlie Smith, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Girls Sports Editor
March 26, 2025
Geometry teacher Stephanie Gentile shows her class their daily warm-up on Jan. 30, 2025. It took Gentile around five minutes to gain the class’ attention to the board.

Teachers’ hard work goes largely unrecognized, they deserve more

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
February 13, 2025
Junior Jasmyn Miller watches as the opposing team, Kellam High School, shoots from the free throw line at Ocean Lakes High School on Dec. 13, 2024. The Dolphins took a loss with a final score of 43-68. Jasmyn scored a total of 19 points.

[Photo] Junior shoots to the top

Anna Daubenspeck, Social Media Editor
February 11, 2025
Sophomore Kennedy Walls and senior Madeleine Fisher prepare to sub in against rival Kellam High School on Dec. 13, 2024, at Ocean Lakes High School. The final score was a slight defeat of 68-43.

[Photo] Girls basketball progresses through the season

Isaiah Omier, Staff Writer
February 11, 2025
Senior Paul Chapman wrestles a competitor from Kellam High School at The Trick or Turf Tournament at Ocean Lakes High School on Oct. 26, 2024. The tournament was open for elementary, middle and high school wrestlers. Photo used with permission from Paul Chapman.

Wrestlers face-off with the new season

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
December 22, 2024
Ocean Lakes girls basketball play the second quarter against Granby High School. The game ended with a final score of Granby 59 and Ocean Lakes 31 at Ocean Lakes High School on Dec. 3, 2024.

[Photo] Girls basketball bounces into the new season

Riley Gomez, Staff Writer
December 1, 2024
A "Piece by Piece" poster is displayed at Strawbridge Marketplace Regal Cinema in Virginia Beach, Va. on Oct. 23, 2024. The movie was released on Oct. 11, 2024.

Pharrell shares tickets to his biopic, “Piece by Piece,” with VBCPS

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
October 24, 2024
From left to right: Seniors Gillian Gutierrez, Khadija Sissoko, Marlie Smith, Hailey Dickerson and Emma Bane showcase school spirit in the student section on Sept. 6, 2024. The Dolphins faced First Colonial High School with a score of 51-7.

Ocean Lakes varsity football and cheer teams gather for a picture after a tough 23-15 loss to the Kempsville Chiefs on Oct. 10, 2024. Both groups celebrated their senior night that same evening.

[Photo] Dolphins remain undeterred

October 24, 2024
Senior athletic trainer Jade McAboy helps senior Devin McGill treat a cramp on the sideline at Kellam High School on Sept. 20, 2024. The Dolphins took the win with a final score of 21-3.

[Photo] Athletic wounds pierce the body and mind

Erin Broderick, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2024

Baked goods to try this fall

Anna Daubenspeck, Larissa Almendras, and Erin Broderick
September 27, 2024
Senior Devin McGill lines up at the 20-yard line as the wide receiver before the center snaps the ball to senior quarterback Noah Colon. The Dolphins played Tallwood High School at Ocean Lakes High School on Sept. 13, 2024. Ocean Lakes was victorious with an ending score of 43-19.

Receiver remains ready to ignite offense

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
September 21, 2024
Senior Devin McGill rushes to endzone for a touchdown during a scrimmage against the Hickory Hawks at Ocean Lakes High School on Aug. 22, 2024.

Football rushes into the new season

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
August 28, 2024
Freshmen Cormac Worrall and Fenton Million smile in the cafeteria on August 22, 2024. They had the chance to find out about the clubs and activities offered at Ocean Lakes.

[Photo] New students kick off high school with busy orientation day

Mihika Sakharpe, Webmaster; Features Editor
August 24, 2024
Senior Madison Monroe runs the curve of the track as he races in the 4x100 as the first leg at regionals. The team placed second on May 22, 2024, at Salem High School.

Senior Melanie Dunaway walks alongside Danny and Missy Dunaway at the senior night celebration on May 14, 2024, at Ocean Lakes High School. Melanie is a two year varsity starter and will attend James Madison University after graduation.

[Photo] Girls lacrosse, on the road to a state championship

Marlie Smith, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Girls Sports Editor
June 3, 2024
Raymond Gatlin Jr. stands awaiting the final coin toss of the night, going into overtime against Floyd E. Kellam High School on Sept. 26, 2023 at Kellam High School. The Dolphins went on to win 20-19 with a triple overtime by successfully blocking the Knights’ final kick.

[Photo] Gatlin blitzes to VMI

Jade McAboy, Staff Writer
May 27, 2024
Senior Jack Marchesi celebrates his home run against Floyd E. Kellam High School with his teammates after touching home plate. With the home run, Jack brought in three runs on May 7, 2024, at Ocean Lakes High School.

Dolphins slide past the Knights

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
May 8, 2024
Sophomore Connor Mais looks for the ball after he swings at a pitch from the Kempsville Chiefs at Ocean Lakes High School on April 30, 2024. The Dolphins finished with a 6-2 victory.

Baseball rides the wave to playoffs

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
May 7, 2024
Over 105 students participated in the musical, The Sound of Music, April 25-28, 2024, in the auditorium of Ocean Lakes High School.

Senior Allison Orchard-Hayes scans the field after passing the ball to her teammate on March 7, 2024, at Ocean Lakes High School in a scrimmage against Hickory High School.

[Photo] Girls soccer pushes through challenges

Erin Broderick, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2024
Over 105 students participated in the musical, The Sound of Music, April 25-28, 2024, in the auditorium of Ocean Lakes High School.

Molly Ryan Gates runs down the field with the ball in her stick at the Kempsville vs. Ocean Lakes game on April 12, 2024, at Ocean Lakes High School.

Girls lacrosse come back for state title

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
Sophomore Gracie Wilson prepares for the pitch against the Kempsville Chiefs at Ocean Lakes High School on March 19, 2024.

[Photo] Softball rebuilds in new season

Erin Broderick, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2024
Regal Theater in Strawbridge Marketplace shows Bob Marley: One Love on Feb. 24, 2024

Theaters give their “one love” for Marley

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
February 26, 2024
Lauryn Hill preforms at Jazzfestival on July 4, 2019, in Kongsberg, Norway. (Lauryn Hill Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2019/ Tore Saetre/WikimediaCommons/CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)

Lauryn Hill, the “queen of hip-hop”

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
February 20, 2024
Sam shoots a free throw after being fouled by a player from First Colonial High School at First Colonial High School on Feb. 2, 2024.

Sophomore excels in basketball

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
Lady Dolphins huddle in front of the bench during halftime to discuss what plays they will change as they take on the Salem Sundevils at Ocean Lakes on Nov. 30, 2023.

Girls basketball starts the season successful

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
December 21, 2023
Seniors Ej Hines, Ethan Mapstone, Elijah Goldsmith and Raymond Gatlin Jr. meet in the middle of the field at Ocean Lakes High School for the coin toss against Bayside High School on senior night Oct. 20, 2023

A night to celebrate, seniors take the field

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
October 26, 2023
Haunted hunt club opens the Forbidden Fields attraction to guests for the halloween season on Oct. 25, 2023.

Mariah Thornton and Rev Renkunta smile for the camera after being crowned as the Royal Fins on Oct.14, 2023.

[Photo] Fins find fun over homecoming festivities

Ryne Bracknell, Staff Writer
October 20, 2023
Special teams coach David Harrington stands with the team huddle after kickoff to decide which play to execute on Sept. 26, 2023, at Kellam High School.

[Photo] New coaching staff takes over

Jade McAboy, Staff Writer
September 30, 2023
Seniors Raymond Gatlin Jr., Ethan Mapstone and Ej Hines all stand as they wait to go out for the coin toss into overtime at Kellam High School on Sept. 26, 2023.

[Photo] Dolphins flood the castle

Jade McAboy, Staff Writer
September 27, 2023
Jordan McNair walks off the field at Kempsville High School after scoring a touchdown for Ocean Lakes on Sept. 8, 2023.

No injury can stop this running back

Larissa Almendras, Staff Writer
September 23, 2023
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