ISSUE 2 ISSUE 2
CONTRIBUTORS
CONTRIBUTORS
Emilee Imler Editor-in-Chief
Dominic Popolo Managing Editor
Kaden McVerry Business Manager
Grace Hamilton Design Editor
Samantha Garcia News Editor
Brandon Badraoui Photo Editor
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS
Brianne Weathers Chief Meterologist
Noelle Cover PR Manager
Daphne Sierra Aquiningoc Lead Designer
Andrew Comparetta Senior Photographer
Belle Holck PR Specialist
Krish Patel Staff Designer
Madelyn Massucci Staff Photographer
Rosa Ramirez Senior Reporter
Mira Giunta Correspondent
Kate Calling Correspondent
Theodore Tickell Staff Reporter
Jayden Vaughn Staff Photographer
It was the Monster Mash — the Tri Sigma 18th Annual Halloween Fashion Show. With werewolves, witches, and other unearthly beasts, this year’s event was brought together by the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Touch-N-Go Productions on Oct. 30th. One of Tri Sigma’s most anticipated, Halloween Fashion Show, or HFS, combines philanthropy with fun and creativity like no other.
This entertaining showcase of costumes and dances allows the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community to dress silly and perform even sillier. Hosting three sororities and eight fraternities, Tri Sigma helped coach and coordinate an entertaining spectacle for all to see. It’s not every day that you see zombies breaking it down or Ghostface attacking Scooby-Do in dance routine!
Encapsulating the Halloween spirit, each performance featured themed songs such as “This is Halloween” and “Ghost Busters.” Each year, one contestant from every FSL organization is chosen to represent their fraternity or sorority to compete and hopefully earn the title of Mr. and Mrs. Halloween. This year’s winners were Zachary Kumar from Beta Theta Phi and Izel Tuncer from Theta Phi Alpha, who delivered stellar performances of both fantasy and fright.
Tri Sigma Halloween Fashion Show 2025
Skylar Costello, the philanthropic initiatives manager of Tri Sigma, said the spirit of the Halloween Fashion Show lies in uniting the FSL community under a common goal of service and giving back.
“It’s a great way to bring all of our organizations together—to participate in something together, and to fundraise together,” Costello said.
By participating in the show, supporting fellow Panhellenic representatives or simply attending the show, Tri Sigma helps raise funds to support children’s development while in the hospital.
The Halloween Fashion Show supports the Robbie Page Memorial Fund, a philanthropy specific to Tri Sigma, which focuses on providing therapeutic play for children in hospitals. Originally created to honor the son of the sorority’s fourth national president, Mary Hastings Holloway Page, the fund was first established to fund polio research. Today, through events like HFS, the fund continues Robbie Page’s legacy through providing grants to hospitals and child life programs across the country.
In addition to the fashion show, Tri Sigma also hosted a Power Prize ticket raffle where the proceeds were divided among Advent Health aid, scholarship initiatives, and the winner of the ticket raffle. This year’s winner graciously donated their earnings back to the philanthropic initiative and all proceeds went to charity. As a result, Tri Sigma was able surpass their goal of raising $15,000.
But the festivites don’t end there....
Between crowd donations and ticket sales alone, the FSL community raised an astounding $18,000 from HFS this year. The amount of support that went into this event made it an unforgettable night for both everyone who attended and the number of children who will benefit from the cause. With a night full of laughs, scares and generosity, the 2025 Halloween Fashion Show was undoubtedly a graveyard smash.
POP CULTURE: MEDIA ROLLING OUT
WICKED: FOR
GOOD
Wicked,” the first film in the twopart adaptation, released in Nov. 2024, quickly became one of the most popular movies of the year.
It earned 10 Academy Award nominations and grossed over $750 million worldwide.
Now, the long-anticipated sequel “Wicked: For Good” will hit theaters on Nov. 20. The final chapter delivers an
emotional and electrifying conclusion to the Broadway-inspired saga, exploring the untold fates of Elphaba and Glinda.
In “Wicked: For Good,” Elphaba is now banished to the Ozian forest, living in exile as the Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile, Glinda has risen to become the beloved “Goddess of Oz” and is preparing to marry Prince Fiyero. But as new challenges arise, the two friends must come together once again for the good of Oz.
The film features returning stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater.
The world premiere tour began Nov. 4 in São Paulo and traveling to four other major cities, including Paris, London and New York City.
The press tour has already garnered hilarious
moments from the cast, like revisiting Grande’s belief of the moon landing when doing the Vanity Fair’s infamous lie detector test with co-star Bowen Yang.
“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” also aired earlier this month on NBC from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre,
reuniting Grande and Erivo to promote the film sequel, performing beloved and original film songs, along with a 37-piece live orchestra and behind-the-scenes content
There is much anticipation with the release, including exclusive merchandise. Some items can already be found in stores, such as Stanley cups, Lego sets, Dunkin’ Donuts collectible Munchkins tin, and even Great Value Pink or Green Mac & Cheese.
Fans can find trailers, behind-the-scenes content and showtime details on the official Wicked: For Good website.
STRANGER THINGS: SEASON 5
After nearly a decade of monsters and friendship, “Stranger Things” is preparing for its final season.
First premiering in 2016, the Netflix series launched the careers of its stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, and Gaten Matarazzo.
The new season picks back up in 1987, following the biggest threat Hawkins faced. The Upside Down has begun to merge with the
real world, and the town remains under military lockdown after the final battle. “The Party” must reunite with new characters one last time to save the Hawkins and uncover the origin of the Upside Down.
The season will be released in three parts. Volume 1 (episodes 1-4) premieres Nov. 26, Volume 2 (episodes 5-7) premieres Dec 25, and the final episodes releases on Dec. 31.
DIE,MY LOVE
The new psychological drama Die My Love explores the blurred line between love, motherhood, and mental collapse. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson as Grace and her partner, Jackson.
The couple moves from New York City to rural Montana in search of a quieter life. But what initially seems like a fresh start soon becomes a trap.
Isolated in an old house, Grace struggles with depression and begins to slips into psychosis. The couple’s relationship begins to fracture under the pressure as Jackson grows increasingly worried and helpless.
The film is based on the novel Matate, amor (Die, My Love) by Ariana Harwicz. Die My Love premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or. The film is out now in theaters.
WORDS: EMILEE IMLER | Editor-in-Chief DESIGN: NOELLE COVER | PR Manager
Sometimesour days can feel like the movie Groundhog Day, with the overly repetitive nature of college. Some weeks seem to go by in a blur with the regular routine of waking-up, classes, organizations, assignments, and trying to keep up a healthy sleep schedule.
The Counseling Center highlights the importance of romanticizing the college lifestyle. They can aid in improving your mental health and help teach you ways to implement new positive elements into your everyday routine. You can take charge of your lifestyle, degree, and mental health.
Mornings in college can set your day up for success or be a rushed mess. Your mornings are the most important thing to romanticize since they are the start of your day. Think about what you enjoy in the morning. Maybe it's music, a warm cup of coffee, journaling, working out, or studying that makes your day start off well.
You know yourself best, learn what works for you. Pattison stated, “If you know you are m ore focused in the mornings, you may want to prioritize harder tasks for that time frame.”
Romanticizing the Routine of College Life Romanticizing the Routine of College Life
WORDS: BRIANNE WEATHERS | Chief
Meterologist
DESIGN: GRACE HAMILTON | Design Editor
Getting your tasks done and planning your day out can allow you to feel more present in your classes and ready to succeed personally and academically. College is the time to set your future up by resumé building through academic experiences and student organizations.
“Establishing a routine can help students who feel like they aren’t making good use of their time or those having difficulty getting everything done. Routines help calm our minds because we know what to expect.”
- Jennifer Pattison
Staying productive and centered can be challenging. Productivity comes with the right environment. Figure out what environment makes you most productive. Your quiet desk in your apartment or dorm, a coffee shop with light background noise, or even a collaborative study group with conversation are all good options for you to try.
Productivity is a hard skill to master; however, once you improve it, you can take back your late afternoons and nights. College comes with stress, and winding down to ensure a good night of sleep is vital.
Before you sleep, remember to set yourself up for success to ensure consistency. Maybe pack your school bag, pick out your outfit for the following day, or even prep meals. Eventually, maintaining your new and improved routine will become effortless for you.
College is challenging both mentally and physically. However, your time in college can be the perfect opportunity to thrive by romanticizing the routine of college life and implementing what works for you!
“Maintaining routines and valuing small wins helps students feel more in control, focused, and mentally resilient.”
- Kaitlyn Boyland
Embry-Riddle’s
Homecoming volleyball game brought lots of energy and school pride to the ICI Center on Friday night as fans filled the stands to cheer on the Eagles in a Sunshine State Conference matchup against the Barry University Bucaneers. The Eagles battled hard in a competitive five-set match but ultimately fell short, losing 3–2 in a close finish that kept fans on their feet until the end.
During halftime, the celebration continued with the crowning of this year’s Homecoming king and queen, Ryan Alevizatos and Natalie Byrd. Amid the cheers and flashing lights, the royals took their victory walk. When asked how they felt, both expressed excitement and relief. “I feel good, I feel relieved. It was a tough week, but I got to smile for a bunch of people,” said Alevizatos. Byrd excitedly responded, “I feel great! I am so excited and happy, and honored!”
WORDS: MIRA GIUNTA | Correspondent
DESIGN: KRISH PATEL | Staff Designer
PHOTOS: JAYDEN VAUGHAN | Staff Photographer
HOMECOMING
Homecoming Game and Crowning HOMECOMING
HOMECOMING
QUEEN HOMECOMING
Touch-N-Go Productions Concert
Students were lined up from the flight line to the Lehman building for Touch-N-Go Productions’ Homecoming Concert on Saturday night, featuring Flo Rida as the headliner with The Rare Occasions as the opening act. The student body was absolutely buzzing as they waited in line to get into the concert. “I feel so excited! I think this might be the best concert, hands down,” said student Shivansh Soni. The indie rock band kicked off the night with a lively set, but the real excitement came after. Flo Rida took the stage, bringing an electric performance of his biggest hits and even bringing students onto the stage. “This is not a concert, Embry-Riddle,” Flo Rida told the crowd of excited students. “This is a party!”
Brewfest
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s annual Brewfest brought students, alumni and families together Friday of Homecoming and Family Weekend for an evening of craft beverages, live music, and Eagle spirit. Held on the lawn in front of the Student Union, the event featured local breweries, food trucks and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying a beautiful Florida night. “Beer is great, food trucks are great. Oh, the weather is fantastic. So happy to be here,” said a parent visiting their student for the weekend. “There really is no place like Riddle.”
FLO RIDA TAKES OVER ERAU
Homecoming Concert Makes ERAU History with 5,500+ Attendees!
Embry-Riddle’s 2025 Homecoming Concert brought together two remarkably different acts on one electric night: indie alt-rock band The Rare Occasions and Florida native multi-platinum hip-hop & pop artist Flo Rida. Before and after the show, The Avion sat down with both artists for a brief Q&A. The Rare Occasions, known for their melodic, high-energy sound, reflected on performing for an aeronautical audience and what they hope students take away from their set. Flo Rida, returning to his home state, shared his excitement post playing for students in Daytona Beach and the energy he brings to every performance.
AQHow does it feel to be back in your home state and playing at an aeronautical university of all places?
“Oh, man, you know, the fact that I just purchased my very first jet, you know, to be here with you guys. You know, maybe I’ll be flying one of your airplanes soon. No, but it’s an honor, you know, always to come back home in the state of Florida. Flo Rida, I mean. And, you know, come out here, you know, basically being here in Daytona, I have family and friends here as well. So, I mean, to come out and party with you guys and the family is always a plus.” &
WORDS: SAMANTHA GARCIA | NEWS EDITOR
PHOTO: JAYDEN VAUGHAN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Touch-N-Go Productions: Team Behind the Scenes
The Homecoming concert was a huge success once again. While many people see the product and the performance, there is a whole crew of students who make the magic happen.
Touch-n-Go puts a lot of time and effort into organizing homecoming concerts and typically starts planning months in advance. The student team and agent handle everything from artist research and booking negotiations to budgeting, stage design, hospitality, and logistics. In the weeks leading up to the show, the team works daily to coordinate equipment deliveries, volunteer shifts, and load-in schedules so that everything runs seamlessly on show day.
They collaborate closely with a wide range of internal and external campus partners to ensure these events run safely and successfully. That includes Campus Safety, Facilities Management, the Student Engagement Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD), and the Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD), among many others. Each of these groups plays a vital role in ensuring that the concert not only looks great but also runs safely and efficiently for everyone attending.
It’s a real-world experience that rivals what you’d see in the professional live-events industry, and it teaches us so much about leadership, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. What makes it even more meaningful is that they do it for our peers—the same people everyone shares classes, dorms, and campus life with. These events aren’t just entertainment— they’re proof of what students can accomplish when given the opportunity and the trust to take the lead.
“Knowing that our work gives people those moments of connection, excitement, and pride in their university is incredibly rewarding. It’s the feeling of watching months of effort turn into memories—from seeing the crowd rush in when the doors open to watching the lights hit just right during a headliner’s first song. Those moments remind me why we do what we do, and why the long nights, early mornings, and countless meetings are all worth it.”
- Toby Sopp, Marketing Manager
ERAU Motorsports: Racing Through the Years
WORDS & DESIGN: MADELYN MASSUCCI / Staff PHOTOS: MADELYN MASSUCCI, ERAU MOTORSPORTS
Throughout the years, ERAU Motorsports has faced challenges and celebrated successes. Despite obstacles, the team continues to demonstrate its desire for excellence. This relentless drive has earned ERAU Motorsports impressive results in international competitions, while giving students valuable hands-on experience with engines, aerodynamics, and data analysis.
From its early designs to today’s trophy-winning cars, decades of progress have built the foundation for ERAU Motorsports’ success. Each challenge has fueled innovation, driving the team towards an even faster, stronger future. Now, ER-X marks the next leap forward—introducing aggressive aerodynamics and refined engineering as the team aims to push the boundaries of motorsports.
ER-04: Significant progress is made in vehicle development, moving ERAU Motorsports into 62nd place overall at Formula SAE Michigan. ER-04 incorporates improved composites and lighter materials, which leads the team to ERAU’s first top 20 finish in a dynamic event, Acceleration. ER-04 also completes Endurance for the first time, finishing in 50th place.
ER-05: In 2020, Formula SAE is disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All in-person competitions across North America are canceled, so the team shifts to remote collaboration, focusing on simulations and virtual design reviews. ERAU Motorsports participates in the first-ever virtual Formula SAE events and presents design and cost reports online. Despite the obstacles, the team continues to develop its next car, ER-05, and prepares for future competitions.
ER-08: After a tricky 2023 season, ERAU Motorsports returns with its best performance yet. ER-08 finishes in 35th place overall and secures a 4th place po dium finish in Acceleration and 5th place in Business Presentation. A 20th place finish in Autocross and 38th in Endurance proves that ERAU Motorsports can build not only a fast car, but also a durable one. This year is a major milestone for the team, as it is the first time that ERAU wins trophy-level recognition in an event.
ER-09: The team achieves its highest placement to date – 20th worldwide at Formula SAE Michigan. ER-09 wins first place in Acceleration with the quickest 0-75 meter time among all teams. The car completes Endurance in 11th place and again ranks 5th in Business Presentation. These triumphs in 2025 highlight ERAU Motorsport’s relentless dedication to improving engineering design, vehicle performance, and team excellence.
ER-X: Currently, the team is developing ERAU Motorsport’s 10th competition vehicle and is finalizing research and design for ER-X. ER-X will be the team’s return to large-scale aerodynamic elements, including a full front wing and rear wing. Manufacturing will begin in January 2026, and the car will enter the testing phase in March 2026, prior to the team’s return to Michigan International Speedway for the Formula SAE IC Competition in May 2026.
HSR CLASSIC 24H HSR CLASSIC 24H
The roar of history returned to Daytona International Speedway as the HSR Classic 24 Hour once again filled the high banks with the unmistakable sound of endurance racing’s golden years. Now in its 11th running, the event transformed the 3.56-mile circuit into a living timeline, where prototypes, GT cars, and racing icons from the 1960s through the present day fought through the day, dusk, and darkness. Organized by Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR), the Classic 24 divides competitors into several run groups that rotate through timed sessions, recreating the rhythm of a true 24-hour race while keeping the classic machinery in motion. The format creates nonstop on-track action, giving fans a rare chance to see decades of racing history in one unforgettable weekend.
What truly sets the Classic 24 apart is its accessibility. Fans are free to walk the paddock, chat with drivers and mechanics, and stand just feet from cars that once thundered around Le
Mans, Sebring, and Daytona. It’s not a normal museum; its history is alive and roaring. Every rev and pit stop carries the authenticity that defines grassroots motorsport, where passion matters more than polish.
Among the weekend standout entries was the 1987 Chevrolet ProtoFab C4, competing in Group 8, Class GTX. With its wide stance, booming V8, and unmistakable Corvette body, the ProtoFab embodies the muscle and spirit of American endurance racing. Built by ProtoFab Engineering, it represented Chevrolet’s push to challenge Europe’s finest during the late 1980s IMSA era. At Daytona, the C4’s raw power and guttural sound captivated fans, proving that age hasn’t dulled its intensity.
The HSR Classic 24 isn’t just a celebration; it’s a revival. Every lap tells a story of legacy and passion, proving that even decades later, the heartbeat of endurance racing still echoes loudest under the lights of Daytona.
ERPL HOSTS LIQUID ROCKETRY CONFERENCE
WORDS: SEAN MCCONOUGHEY | Correspondent
DESIGN: DAPHNE SIERRA AQUININGOC / Lead Designer
On Oct. 11, 2025, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL) hosted over 90 students and faculty from 16 universities across the U.S. and abroad for the 2025 Liquid Rocketry Conference (LRC). The two-day in-person event held Oct. 10–11 on the Daytona Beach campus, featured technical presentations, collaborative discussions, and networking opportunities that brought together the next generation of liquid propulsion engineers.
A Gathering of Student-Led Innovation
The conference featured 11 total presentations and panel sessions, covering a broad range of topics central to modern propulsion development:
· Engine development and testing methodologies
· Feed and fluid system design
· Avionics, instrumentation, and data acquisition
· Pump-fed rocket architectures
· Active control and system integration
· Operational safety and systems engineering
· Pulse jet and hybrid propulsion concepts
Teams showcased data from hot-fire tests, design reviews, and simulation campaigns, encouraging peer feedback and crossteam collaboration. Each session concluded with an open Q&A, allowing attendees to exchange technical insights and build connections across institutions.
About the Liquid Rocketry Conference
Founded in 2024, the Liquid Rocketry Conference (LRC) is a student-organized international forum dedicated to advancing collegiate liquid propulsion research. The conference serves as both a technical exchange and a community-building event, where teams share progress, discuss failures and solutions, and strengthen collaboration across the growing network of university liquid rocketry programs.
The Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL) at Embry-Riddle plans to continue supporting the conference, which will be hosted by another university in 2026, and to build the global community of student propulsion engineers who are shaping the future of space access and exploration.
QQ The Avion Asks...
WORDS : ISABELLE HOLCK | PR Specialist
PHOTOS : MADELYN MASSUCCI | Correspondent
DESIGN : ISABELLE HOLCK , MADELYN MASSUCCI
What is the best “only at Riddle” moment you have experienced?
Hello Eagles! We are officially past the midterm of our semester, and coursework is ramping up as we prepare for final projects and exams. No matter where you look, students are applying what they have learned—whether in the classroom, the lab, or in the air.
From passing the flight team’s Tecnam parked on the green in front of the Student Union to avoiding the fleets of modified electric scooters and skateboards, walking around campus without witnessing innovation in action is impossible. Moments like these, big or small, capture the unique blend of academic rigor, innovation, and passion that defines life at Riddle.
In this issue, we asked students to share what makes Embry-Riddle stand out from other universities. Their answers were as diverse as the people who make up this campus, but one theme was clear: the passion for all things aviation goes far beyond the classroom—it takes flight in every corner of Embry-Riddle.
Tripp Voight, Senior Aeronautical Science
“The little RC F-16 plane must be driven around to every event. I’ve seen it at the parking garage, watching the F-16s fly in.”
Edith Lujan, Freshman Aerospace Engineering
“During O-week, the Daytona 400 brought in several F-16s that flew in on our runway. My roommates and I saw about 50 people with their noses pressed on the glass watching them come in.”
Isabelle “Gigi” Herrera, Sophomore Aeronautical Science
“Last year, during the Daytona 500, we saw the Thunderbirds take off. We also got to see Air Force 1 when the president came for the race”
Kenyana Priest Facilities Management
Kehl Heavlin, Freshman Aerospace Engineering
“I’m originally from North Carolina, and during O-week, I met someone who lived right down the road from me. We never knew each other until coming to Riddle.”
“Once when I was in Residence Hall 2, I dropped a lot of things, and a student went out of his way to help me carry them upstairs. A lot of students are busy and tend to zip by us, but he took his time to help me.”
Letter From The Editors
Dear Eagles,
Thank you for joining us for our newest edition of The Avion. The response to Issue 1 was both encouraging and meaningful to our team. We appreciate the conversations, feedback, and excitement we have seen across campus and online. This semester has shown us what makes Embry-Riddle feel like home. Homecoming brought energy and celebration, while Parents and Family Weekend reminded us of the support systems behind us. Together, these moments highlighted the traditions, pride, and connections that define our campus community. As the University continues to celebrate its centennial year, we are reflecting not only on one hundred years of history, but also on the everyday experiences happening right now. unnoticed but become the memories we carry with us.
This issue focuses on the routines, friendships, and subtle moments that often go unnoticed but become the memories we carry with us. The Avion remains a student-driven organization. Our writers, designers, and photographers balance academics, research, jobs, and personal commitments, yet continue to dedicate themselves to producing meaningful work. Their efforts reflect a shared commitment to storytelling, intentional design, and representing campus life with care and authenticity. We hope that Issue 2 offers you something familiar and something new. Whether you are a first-year student or preparing for graduation, we hope these pages remind you of the value found in daily life at Embry-Riddle and the community we build together.
Blake was born on April 27, 2006, in Orange Park, Florida, and graduated from Middleburg High School, where he served as Operations Officer in JNROTC and played varsity soccer. Before joining the Embry-Riddle community, he built a life shaped by curiosity, dedication, and heart. He had a deep passion for tropical fish, travel, the outdoors, and flying drones. Blake cared fiercely for the people around him, always willing to help his friends and family without hesitation. His strong faith in God and Jesus guided him daily and inspired him to be the best version of himself. This reflection from his family offers only a glimpse into the meaningful life Blake lived before coming to ERAU.
Within the Embry-Riddle community, Blake continued to leave an impact through his character, leadership, and kindness. His peers and mentors remember him as someone who approached every space with positivity, humility, and a genuine care for the people around him.
Student Leadership Reflections
“Blake was a shinning star among the student body. On behalf of the SGA and the student body, we mourn his loss and we will continue to celebrate his life and impact on campus by embracing his principles and values. The same ones being reflected in cadets, students, his family, and individuals that surrounded him that embrace his positivity, team work, and excellence among others. His life and spirit will not be forgotten.”
— Ander Turueno Garcia, SGA President
Air Force ROTC Tribute
“Blake was a cherished member of the AS200 class and an active participant, in the Arnold Air Society, where his dedication and spirit exemplified the core values of integrity, service and excellence. Blake was not only a dependable leader but also someone who brought energy and kindness to every situation. His smile and positive attitude uplifted those around him, and his genuine care for others made him a friend to all. Whether leading his peers or simply sharing a laugh, Blake left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
— ERAU Air Force ROTC Detachment 157
