{"id":14764,"date":"2026-02-17T09:23:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=14764"},"modified":"2026-02-17T09:23:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:23:27","slug":"founders-week-returns-students-enjoy-its-waves-of-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/founders-week-returns-students-enjoy-its-waves-of-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"Founders\u2019 Week returns, students enjoy its waves of tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>By Breahna Martin<\/em><\/p>\n

Since 1994, every winter, Ocean Lakes High showcases a week filled with presentations from alumni and guest speakers so that students learn about the foundations of the school\u2019s past. Every year, it features a different theme.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme, \u201cCurrents of Excellence, Waves of Tradition,\u201d highlights the balance between Ocean Lakes\u2019 longstanding values and the achievements of its students.<\/p>\n

\u201cFounders\u2019 Week is a time for teachers to reflect on the foundation of Ocean Lakes and celebrate some of our founders,\u201d assistant principal Jenna Filipowicz said.<\/p>\n

In addition to reflecting on the school\u2019s history, Founders\u2019 Week, held from Feb. 9-13, gives students the opportunity to engage with those beyond the classroom. Through guest speakers and events, students are encouraged to learn about the school\u2019s origins and the good that has come from those who have walked these halls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that the student body remains loyal to this tradition since we all hope to be a part of something bigger than ourselves in the form of Ocean Lakes\u2019 rich traditions and heritage,\u201d SCA President Robinson Chen said.<\/p>\n

The impact of these traditions is also noticed by teachers and staff, particularly those who have seen the event evolve since its creation, and several staff members contribute to its annual success. They spend months preparing and recruiting speakers that will inspire.<\/p>\n

Filipowicz and assistant principal Dr. Carrie Gantt shared their gratitude for a successful week.<\/p>\n

In a recent email to faculty, Gantt said: \u201cWe especially hope your students have gained a sense of pride and belonging here at Ocean Lakes High School. A huge thank you to our 2026 Founders\u2019 Week Committee members for their tireless efforts to make this Founders\u2019 Week the best week yet. Thank you, Allison Graves, Leslie Samuelson, Jim Cartwright, Kim Bedinger, Erin Lunenfeld, and Gloria Rosado.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other staff members echoed the value of this annual tradition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I appreciate Founders\u2019 Week more as a teacher, but now I see how it calls alumni to show up and show students at our school that if they have a dream, they can achieve it,\u201d said math teacher Natalie Kasmarek, a 2019 graduate of Ocean Lakes. \u201cIt\u2019s super cool to me to see people, that even I went to high school with, sharing their stories to my current students.\u201d<\/p>\n

Founders\u2019 Week began 31 years ago, and as it continues, it remains a meaningful reminder of what it means to be a part of Ocean Lakes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that we have lasting traditions like Founders\u2019 Week,\u201d Kasmarek said. \u201cWe continue to show spirit and commitment to Dolphin pride every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breahna Martin is a sophomore and journalist for <\/em>The Current<\/em><\/a>, the Ocean Lakes High School student news website. She is a part of the Ocean Lakes Field Hockey team and Student Advisory Board.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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