Riddle Redeemers Preserve History
Daytona 500: The Great American Race
Rolex 24: From Pit Lane
ENTS
EXECUTIVE Board &
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
Indira Diaz Advisor
Brianne Weathers
Kylie Pearson Copy Editor
Cover PR Manager
Krish Patel Staff Designer
Rachael Tran Copy Editor
Sierra Aquiningoc Lead Designer
Mira Giunta Staff Reporter
Jayden Vaughn Staff Photographer
Theodore Tickell Staff Reporter
Belle Holck PR Specialist
Additional Contributors: Tucker Lehtonen, Clayton Loughary, Dylan Kowlessar, Tomas Hart
ILLUSTRATIONS: DAPHNE SIERRA AQUININGOC | Lead Designer
Noelle
Daphne
Andrew Comparetta Senior Photographer
GUERRA DAVID IN MEMORY OF APRIL 10, 2004
WORDS: TUCKER LEHTONEN / Former Business Manager
PHOTOS: VARIOUS
“What would David do?”
That has been our saying ever since his passing. David was my brother and best friend since the beginning of freshman year. He was the most down-to-earth person with a constant smile that never faded.
I have so many stories, memories, and adventures with David. During freshman year, I convinced him to go to Georgia with me to escape Hurricane Ian. We went to the beach, explored Savannah, and even checked out a knockoff Nitro Circus. Throughout it all, there was always a smile and a sense of gratitude for the time. We went to San Francisco together with The Avion, sneaking out to explore the city, designing pages, taking photos at events, and having a lot of fun. We went to the Texas vs. Cowboys game, the springs, Kennedy Space Center, the Pro Bowl, the racetrack, SeaWorld, and Disney World.
We went to church together, and I convinced him to get a tattoo. I taught David how to ride a motorcycle. He taught me how to skate, and more importantly, how to be a better person. We always followed faith first, knowing in the end, we would be just fine. We had 3 a.m. visits to Waffle House, and countless adventures on campus. We would go grocery shopping and have cooking competitions where he was the taste tester. We lived together, went to the same barbershop, and watched lots of movies. We played basketball, kickball, pickleball, chess, surfing, and football, making sure I learned more about the world around me. He got me into following sports and having friendly disagreements about the Texans or the Bills. We spent lots of time gaming and competing with a handshake at the end.
JANUARY 5, 2026 TO
We would talk about life, our past, our futures, things we loved, things we wanted, things we would change, and experiences we were still yet to have. We talked about our families, the people, and things we loved. We talked about our homes and how we both had to visit them.
There are infinite memories and infinitely more I wish we could have. Yet, somehow, I’m at peace. I know you’re with our Creator, learning how to hit 3-pointers, looking down at us, giving subtle signs that you’re always with us, guiding us, and rooting for us. I know that you’re making sure that we live every moment smiling, exploring, learning, staring in amazement at the stars, listening to space music, spending time with our friends and family, following our faith, finding peace, and enjoying life without anxiety.
When I think of David, I think of a life of taking photos and videos to relive moments, treating everyone fairly and with kindness, being honest and thoughtful, not holding grudges or being a jerk, and one that was filled with peace and life. A life that was simple, yet sweet. Humble and grateful. Strong and courageous.
So, I will always live by “What would David do?” because he had such an impact on my life. David changed me to be a better person, and it is in these moments that we step back and ask, “What would David do?” The moments of weakness, strength, and gratitude. Moments when things are stressful, and when they are at their best.
I love you, brother, and I’m so happy I got to spend my college years with you.
Thank you for everything.
“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED, AND DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.”
-
JOSHUA 1:9
DESIGN: CLAYTON LOUGHARY / Former Editor-in-Chief
COPYEDITS:
DYLAN KOWLESSAR / Former Editor-in-Chief
DAVID GUERRA
Photographer: David Guerra, 2024
Riddle Redeemers Preserve History
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students are preserving aviation history at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum by restoring historic military aircraft. The Riddle Redeemers, a student group, work hands-on to maintain the museum’s Navy F-14B Tomcat and support other museum projects.
The Tomcat, which served from the 1980s through the early 2000s, is one of the museum’s largest restoration projects. After nearly two decades outdoors, the aircraft is undergoing careful repainting to preserve its condition
while maintaining historical authenticity.
“How far do you restore something before you lose its history?” museum volunteer Greg “Rowdy” Yates said, reflecting the balance between restoration and preservation.
The organization includes President Phil Byrne, a junior aviation maintenance major; Vice President Madison Rand, a freshman aerospace engineering major; and Treasurer and Public Affairs officer Christopher O’Neill, a senior aviation maintenance major and Student Veterans Organization Senator.
Members also include Matthew Mazan, Megan LeaTrea, Alyssa Hadfield, Joe Woodson, and Adam Elshamy. The members from multiple disciplines gain hands-on experience in aircraft systems, fabrication, research, and teamwork while working alongside museum staff and veterans.
“It’s a good experience you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get,” mechanical engineering major Hadfield said. “Actually being able to work on the plane and learn about the intricacies of a historical plane.”
EMILEE IMLER
“Someone has to take care of this history in the future.” - Christopher O’Neill
“The mission is to get younger people excited about this,” O’Neill added. Beyond the F-14, members aid with other preservation projects across the museum. The Riddle Redeemers’ mission is to advance restoration, education, conservation, and public engagement by involving students in hands-on preservation of aviation history.
Follow the Riddle Redeemers on Instagram: @riddle_redeemers Visit the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum to see their work firsthand.
EMILEE IMLER
EMILEE IMLER
EMILEE IMLER
Rolex 24 at Daytona
WORDS: THEODORE TICKELL | Staff Reporter and MIRA GIUNTA | Staff Reporter
PHOTO: BRANDON BADRAOUI| Photo Editor
(Main) The #93: Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, Acura ARX-06, GTP of Renger van der Zande, Nick Yelloly, Alex Palou, Kaku Ohta preparing for the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona in the Garage shortly before the race.
The start of the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona for the GTD and GTD Pro Classes
The 2026 Rolex 24 took place on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Daytona International Speedway. The race, as well as the GTP class, was won by the No. 07 Porsche Penske Motorsport, driven to cross the finish line by Felipe Nasr, along with Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich.
This race was the kickoff for the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) racing championship series. The event itself is a multi-class 24-hour endurance race around the Daytona International Speedway on its road course layout. The layout includes 12 turns, as opposed to the typical four utilized in the NASCAR oval track layout.
The different classes of cars include GTP (Grand Touring Prototype), LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), GTD PRO (Grand Touring Daytona Pro), and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona). In addition to the four class-based races, there is an overall winner from the GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro, and GTD classes.
The LMP2 class was won by the No. 04 Crowdstrike Racing ARP Oreca 07, driven by:
• Alex Quinn
• George Kurtz
• Toby Sowery
• Malthe Jakobsen
The GTD Pro class was won by No. 01 Paul Miller Racing BMW GT3, driven by:
• Dan Harper
• Neil Verghagen
• Connor De Phillippi
• Max Hesse
The GTD class was won by the No. 57 Windward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, driven by:
• Phillip Ellis
• Russell Ward
• Indy Dontje
• Lucas Auer
BRANDON BADRAOUI
Porsche Penske took home the win at the Rolex 24, making Felipe Nasr one of only three drivers to win the Rolex 24 for three consecutive years in a row. This incredible feat was achieved by Peter Gregg when he won in 1973, 1975, and 1976 (with the 1974 race getting cancelled), along with Hélio Castroneves in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This historic 2026 Rolex 24 was an impressive showcase of endurance racing, and was once again a memorable year in the event’s long history.
The new #912: Manthey 1St Phorm, Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), GTD: Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, Richard Lietz, Morris Schuring, approaching the east horseshoe during practice.
The #1: Paul Miller Racing, BMW M4 GT3 EVO, GTD Pro: Neil Verhagen, Connor De Phillippi, Max Hesse, Dan Harper, leaving the pits early on sunday morning.
The #77: AO Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), GTD Pro: Nick Tandy, Harry King, Alessio Picariello, during the long yellow flag portion of the race.
(Above) The Rolex 24 trophy waits on the grid, 24 hours away from its next champion.
(Right) The #77: AO Racing, Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), GTD Pro: Nick Tandy, Harry King, Alessio Picariello, at sunset during the race.
ANDREW COMPARETTA
BRANDON BADRAOUI
BRANDON BADRAOUI
BRANDON BADRAOUI
WINNER Tyler Reddick #45 Chumba Casino Toyota 23XI Racing
The 2026 Daytona 500 kicked off the NASCAR season on Sunday, February 15th. Drivers took to the high banks to vie for the Harley J. Earl Trophy with driver Tyler Reddick ultimately taking it home in the end.
A sold-out crowd of over 150,000 spectators gathered to watch one of the greatest spectacles of racing. And with a purse totaling over 31 million dollars, drivers had a lot on the line for the glory of winning the Great American Race.
But the prize and the prestige aren’t the only thing increasing the importance of winning the Daytona 500. With the start of the new season debuts a new points format. The Chase, a play on the former points format that was replaced with the Playoffs in 2014, will return to the sport for the 2026 season and beyond.
The chase consists of 16 drivers that are decided by points accumulated throughout the season (55 for first, 35 for second, 32 for third, and so on). The points will reset after the summer Daytona race, giving these 16 drivers an equal opportunity to win the championship. With this new format, every race in the regular season matters, including the Daytona 500.
Race winner Tyler Reddick gets to take home the glory and the prestige of winning the 68th running of the Daytona 500, “It may have seemed chaotic watching it, but from my seat the whole last lap played out really slow and really smooth, and everything just kind of fell into place the way I wanted it to.”
ANDREW COMPARETTA
ANDREW COMPARETTA
ANDREW COMPARETTA
Beyond Music: Representation on the Super Bowl Stage
WhenBad Bunny took the Super Bowl halftime stage, millions saw one of the world’s biggest artists at the height of his career. For many Puerto Ricans, the moment felt far more personal.
Victoria Melendez, a mechanical engineering senior and accelerated master’s student at Embry-Riddle, said the performance represented years of resilience and pride for the island she calls home. Melendez, who is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and served as president of the Puerto Rican Student Association, watched knowing the stage has long symbolized the highest level of artist recognition.
“Looking at music in Spanish and Latin music, there was always a ceiling of success that an artist could hit while singing in Spanish,” Melendez said. “After that, to reach a higher level of fame on a global scale and appeal to an English speaking audience, you needed to transition to English speaking music.”
She noted artists such as Ricky Martin and Shakira experienced that crossover moment, shifting into English recordings to broaden their reach. However, Bad Bunny did the opposite.
“Even when he collaborated with the biggest names in the industry, like Drake for the song ‘MIA,’ he and Drake both sang in Spanish,” Melendez said. “It was a moment where he demonstrated that he
would never give up his background and his culture.”
Melendez pointed to the trajectory of his recent albums, especially “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which she described as deeply rooted in Puerto Rican sounds like plena and salsa. “He showed an intention to stay true to his culture and his language,” she said. “Yet it was the album that catapulted him to global fame once again and got him Album of the Year at the Grammys.”
For Melendez, the halftime show felt like a full-circle moment. “So, to finally answer the question, it meant absolutely everything,” she said. “I have always been proud of my culture and Puerto Rico, and it means the absolute world that everyone was able to appreciate and enjoy it.”
According to ESPN, the Super Bowl LX broadcast averaged 124.9 million viewers, and Nielsen reported that 128.2 million tuned in during the halftime performance.
The performance felt especially significant at a time when conversations about culture, language and belonging remain deeply divided.
“Seeing the discourse around choosing him for the show was kind of heartbreaking because it felt like people were denying my culture and language without ever truly knowing or understanding it,” Melendez
said. The message displayed during the show, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” stood out to her. “It showed the world that our culture is rooted in community and love even when you can’t understand the language.”
One moment that resonated deeply during the thirteen-minute performance was the power lines section, when he performed “El Apagón,” referencing Puerto Rico’s ongoing electrical grid crisis following Hurricane Maria in 2017. “The overall feeling of community is what allowed us to survive and rebuild after this hurricane,” she said.
For Melendez and many others, the performance symbolized possibility.
“Even though many of us don’t start on the same level, we can reach the same levels of success,” she said. “In comparison to so many other countries, especially Latin countries, we’re just a speck on the map, a small 100 by 35 mile island.”
To those who criticized the performance, she offered an invitation. “I would encourage them to find some historical context so they can understand why this is such a big deal,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to see life through the lens of another culture.”
Pop Culture: FRom Slopes to Screens
WORDS: DOMINIC POPOLO | Managing Editor DESIGN: GRACE HAMILTON | Design Editor
68th Annual Grammy Awards : February 1, 2026
Music’s biggest night was full of big award wins and action packed performances. Bad Bunny took home Album of the Year for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the year for “luther”, Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower”, and Olivia Dean won Best New Artist. Some of the biggest perfoamances of the night came from Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, The Creator, and ROSÉ and Bruno Mars.
GroundHog Day: February 2, 2026
Punxsutawney Phil, our groundhog weatherman, saw his shadow earlier this month and predicted six more weeks of winter. It has been an especially cold winter across the eastern half of the nation, with temperatures hitting the low 20s in Daytona Beach only a few weeks ago. Hopefully temperatures will continue to rise as we go into March.
Superbowl LX: February 8, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 at this year’s Super Bowl, with Kenneth Walker III being named Super Bowl MVP. The Seahawks took an early lead in the game, with the Patriots going into halftime with no points. While they did make up some ground, the Patriots were unable to catch up to the Seahawks before the end of the game.
Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026
The Winter Olympics have wrapped up in Milano-Cortina, Italy after three weeks of intense competition. Some of the biggest sports in the Olympics included curling, figure skating, and bobsleigh. Norway led in the total medals won, followed by Italy and the United States.
Campus Style:
Student Fashion - Spring 26’ Layers are In Jackets over sleeves
Natural fibers and earthy tones eclipse the lineup, giving fabrics a lived-in softness that feels both intimate and impeccably polished. It is a season that favors texture over logo, subtlety over spectacle, and a wardrobe built on pieces that can be passed down generationally and retain their chic style.
SNEAKER SEASON
Embry-Riddle is a large campus, so sneakers are a must for walking! Gabe is wearing Chanel and Kylie is wearing Converse.
With the cool winter ocean breeze layered jackets are a must. Elevate a spring outfit by throwing on a textured coat.
Jeans Season
Want to make a statement? Wear dark wash or light wash jeans.
WORDS: TOMAS HART / Contributor, NOELLE COVER / PR Manager
DESIGN: NOELLE COVER / PR Manager, GRACE HAMILTON / Design Editor
MODELS: GABE PENNEY | Contributor, KYLIE PEARSON | Copy Editor
1. MacBook Pro
From Canvas assignments to InDesign
2. Notebook
In my student era..
3. AirPods
Noise cancelling ...... yes please
4. Sunglasses
Shades for sunny Florida days
5. Wristlet Wallet
Home of the Eaglecard
6. Keys and Charms
Add some fun to the little things
7. Elf Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm
No chapped lips here
8. Smartphone Text, snap, and stay updated
Burts Bees Hand Cream Hydrated and glowing
10. Tote Bag
Fashion with a blend of practicality
9.
FAA
Elevated
Fully
Individual
Resort
Active
Student Spotlight: Serena Elijah
Alumna Serena Ikemne Elijah arrived at ERAU in Spring 2022 from Nigeria at 16-years-old, carrying academic preparation rooted in theory and a determination to adapt.
Now graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering concentrating in Astronautics, Serena’s journey has been marked by academic resilience, campus leadership, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar spaces.
Serena’s passion solidified after visiting the Kennedy Space Center through the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). From that moment, spacefocused coursework, research opportunities, and conferences helped narrow her interests.
“I realized that space is much broader than it seems, various areas of interest from nutrition, propulsion, etc.,” she said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to stay.”
Her academic path was not without challenges. Courses like Orbital Mechanics and Introduction to Graphical Communication (CATIA) repeatedly pushed her. Serena took Orbital Mechanics three times before earning a B on her final attempt.
“That class humbled me,” she recounted. “But it also taught me persistence and the importance of asking for help.”
That perseverance paid off. She later became a teaching assistant for engineering courses, a tutor, and a campus tour guide, roles that deepened her confidence and allowed her to mentor others. Through NSBE, she served as conference chairperson, regional TORCH chair, and earned the Google Powerhouse Social Justice in Engineering Award. She was also selected as an AIAA.
Rising Star for the class of 2025 and served as the Housing and Residence Life Senator in SGA.
“These recognitions put me in rooms I ordinarily didn’t have access to,” Serena said. “They opened doors for my career.”
She advises students, especially international students, to get involved as much as possible.
“Place yourself everywhere. Go everywhere your two feet can take you,” she emphasized the importance of being involved in positive activities and recalled her mother’s perspective. “My mom used to say, ‘America will not swallow you.’”
Now pursuing a master’s degree in space studies, Serena reflects on her time at ERAU as transformative and growth-filled. For her, success is not defined by perfection but by persistence and grit, even when you get knocked down repeatedly.
Forcasting Futures at Embry-Riddle:
American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association
Are you interested in the atmospheric science Looking for a community of fellow weather enthusiasts who share your passion? The Embry-Riddle collegiate chapter of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association (AMS/NWA) may be the organization for you.
This collegiate chapter serves as an extension of both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. These national organizations strengthen the connection between atmospheric sciences and society through service, application, and community.
Looking ahead, for the spring semester the chapter plans trips to the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service office in Melbourne, Florida, along with a career discussion panel, guest speakers, peer bonding events, an end-of-year banquet, and much more.
The AMS/NWA Executive Board is committed to fostering a community filled with professional and personal development opportunities. Popular events include career discussion panels featuring various professionals in the meteorology field, chapter wide forecasting tournaments, and visits to National Weather Service offices.
Although many events are weather-related, the chapter includes students with a variety of majors and career goals. Current membership includes students majoring in meteorology, engineering, communication and aeronautical science, all seeking to learn more about the sky they fly through.
To stay connected and receive updates:
• Join AMS/NWA on Campus Groups
• Follow @erauams on Instagram and Facebook.
WORDS: BRIANNE WEATHERS | Staff Reporter
DESIGN: KRISH PATEL | Staff Designer
Hunt Library
DESIGN: GRACE HAMILTON | Design Editor
You spoke, we heard...
Coming soon, Hunt Library is adding more study seats on the 3rd and 4th floors. Watch for changes later in the Spring!
Open Education Week
Join us for Open Education Week! March 2-6, 2026!
Open Education Week is a global event to celebrate and learn about making education open and accessible for all. Join Hunt Library as we celebrate our Textbook Affordabilty Champions - faculty, staff, and students who work to make courses more open and affordable and highlight the open education services and resources available to the ERAU community.
Look for library staff in the colleges and Student Union during Open Ed Week to learn more and share your experiences.
For updates and additional details scan the QR code below.
Resources:
Reserve a study room online through SchedulER for focused group work or collaboration.
Questions?
Visit huntlibrary.erau.edu and ask a Librarian!
Follow us on Instagram @erauhuntlibrary for library updates, study tips, and more.
Spring Webinars
Feb 24 – AI Tools for Literature Reviews
March 10 – Locating Government Information
March 24 – Subject-Specific Research: Engineering
April 7 – Data Visualization
WORDS: Emilee Imler / Editor-in-Chief DESIGN: DAPHNE SIERRA AQUININGOC / Lead Designer
ARTEMIS II AWAITS NEXT WINDOW WHILE CREW-12 EXPANDS SPACE RESEARCH
NASA has delayed the launch of Artemis II, extending preparations for the first crewed mission of the Artemis program as engineers conduct additional testing at Kennedy Space Center.
The agency is now targeting a launch window opening March 6, pending results from a second wet dress rehearsal of the Space Launch System rocket. The rehearsal simulates a full launch countdown, including loading cryogenic propellants and running through critical procedures. NASA officials say the added testing is intended to verify system performance and ensure crew safety before committing to a final launch date.
Artemis II will carry four astronauts on a lunar flyby, marking the first time humans will
travel beyond low Earth orbit since the final year of the Apollo program in 1972. The mission is considered a critical step toward returning astronauts to the Moon later this decade and establishing a sustained human presence there.
Even as Artemis II remains grounded for additional testing, research in orbit continues to lay the groundwork for future deep-space missions. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 has already launched to the International Space Station, where astronauts are conducting experiments that directly support longduration exploration.
A primary focus of Crew-12’s work is studying how the human body adapts to altered gravity. In microgravity, blood and other fluids shift toward the upper body, affecting
circulation and cardiovascular function. By collecting in-flight and postflight data on blood flow, researchers aim to better understand long-term physiological changes and refine countermeasures such as exercise protocols and medical monitoring.
The crew is also supporting investigations related to lifesupport systems and sustainable operations in space. The data gathered during the mission will help inform planning for journeys beyond low Earth orbit, where crews must operate with greater autonomy and limited resupply.
NASA has not announced a final launch date for Artemis II and will confirm the next attempt following the completion and review of testing at Kennedy Space Center.
The Avion Asks...
What is something thAT A STUDENT DID THAT MADE YOU PROUD? BIGGEST
PET PEEVE AS A PROFESSOR?
QHello Eagles,
As the semester starts to take off, coursework enters a steady climb, and deadlines approach, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with some of our amazing professors! Professors see it all, from standout students to habits that get under their skin. This issue takes a behind-the-scenes look at what really catches their attention, both for better and for worse.
From students who don’t read assignment instructions to those who fail to fully apply themselves, professors didn’t hold back when sharing their biggest pet peeves. However, these perspectives were quickly balanced by stories of student behaviors that made them most proud. The majority of professors noted that their greatest sense of pride comes from seeing students succeed after graduation.
As you look ahead to internships, research opportunities, and full-time careers post-grad, remember that your professors can become mentors, references, and valuable connections. They genuinely want to see you succeed. In this issue, you will find that going the extra mile as a student today can help set you up for takeoff tomorrow.
WORDS : BELLE HOLCK | PR Specialist, SOPHIA PEARSON | Correspondent
PHOTOS : ERAU
DESIGN : BELLE HOLCK , MADELYN MASSUCCI | Staff Photographer, GRACE HAMILTON| Design Editor
Professor Debbie Schaum
Applied Aviation Sciences
“One of my students got hired by Southwest Airlines as a meteorologist. I mean, it took a bit, but it was a big accomplishment.”
“Students who don’t try. Especially when they just want things handed to them.”
Dr. Dan Halperin Applied Aviation Sciences
“When they graduate from here and go out and either go to grad school or get jobs immediately after graduation.”
“Good question. Not reading the instructions!”
Professor Lucas Ferrando Quills
Engineering Fundamentals
“Getting jobs and internships, especially at some of the companies that are really hard to get into.”
“There’s always a student who likes to talks a little bit to much during class. Not that it’s something that bothers me personally, but I know some students don’t like it when other people talk.”
Dr. Cassandra Branham Humanities and Communication
“ I think my best example is when I had a com student who did an independent study with myself and another professor.”
“My biggest pet peeve is when a student asks you a question via email without taking steps to see if they can find the answer to the question themselves. Usually, it’s in canvas somewhere.”
Professor Tess St. John Mathematics Department
“I’ve had students that have gone on to become professors, who have told me that they’ve become professors and that part of the reason they did was because I gave them this love of teaching.”
“When I put things in announcements every week and they don’t read the announcements.”
Letter from the Editors
Dear Eagles,
Thank you for picking up the Spring 2026 Issue 1 edition of The Avion. Each issue reflects not just what is happening on campus, but what our community is feeling in the moment.
This semester in Daytona Beach has already been full of movement. From the roar of the Rolex 24 to the anticipation surrounding the Daytona 500, and even the Thunderbirds flying over our campus, Embry-Riddle once again finds itself at the center of moments that feel larger than life. Just down the road at Kennedy Space Center, Artemis II prepares to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since 1972. For a campus built on aviation and space, it is hard not to feel the weight of that history unfolding in our own backyard.
Beyond the big headlines, this issue focuses on the people who make this campus what it is. We are highlighting student organizations and a stand-out student that reminds us that the heart of Embry-Riddle is not just in launches or race weekends, but in the students building community and chasing their own goals every day.
This issue is especially meaningful to our team as we navigate the loss of our friend and fellow staff member, David Guerra. Mourning within a community is never simple. Grief does not pause deadlines, classes or responsibilities. It moves with us. As a staff, we worked to honor David by sharing his story with care and intention. Even during the toughest moments of putting these pages together, we found ourselves laughing, reminiscing and retelling the best memories we were lucky enough to share with him.
We extend our love and deepest condolences to David’s family. We hope they know how much he meant to this organization and how deeply he impacted the people around him. His presence shaped our team in ways that will continue long after this issue is printed.
The Avion remains a student-driven publication. Our team balances academics, leadership roles and personal commitments while choosing to show up for one another. In moments of celebration and in moments of loss, that commitment matters even more.
We hope this issue gives you space to feel pride, excitement and reflection all at once. Thank you for reading, supporting and walking through the Spring 2026 semester with us.
With pride,
Emilee Imler, Editor-in-Chief Dominic Popolo, Managing Editor
Editor-in-Chief avioneditor@erau.edu
Managing Editor avionmanaging@erau.edu
Business Manager avionbusiness@erau.edu
Design Editor aviondesign@erau.edu
News Editor avionnews@erau.edu
Photo Editor avionphoto@erau.edu
Emilee Imler
Dominic Popolo
Kaden McVerry
Grace Hamilton
Samantha Garcia
Brandon Badraoui
Paid Staff
Daphne Sierra Aquiningoc
Andrew Comparetta Noelle Cover
Belle Holck
Front Cover
Daphne Sierra Aquiningoc
Kylie Pearson
Rachael Tran Weston Trott
Back Cover
Andrew Comparetta @a.comp12
Advisor
Indira Diaz
Associate Director of Student Government
SGA Executive Board
President sgapres@erau.edu
Vice President sgavpres@erau.edu
Treasurer sgatres@erau.edu
Chief Justice sgachfj@erau.edu
EIC, The Avion avioneditor@erau.edu
GM, WIKD 102.5 dbgmwikd@erau.edu
Chairperson, TNG dbtngchr@erau.edu
Ander Turueno Garcia
Giovanni Zayas
Marcus Lopez
Ally Ramey
Emilee Imler
Nathaniel Wrobel
Sabrina Osick
free photography equipment for all students attend events as credentialed media access to full adobe creative cloud
