FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria Taranowski Wins Epic’s Inaugural Aviation Scholarship
October 24, 2016
New Smyrna Beach, FL – Epic CEO Danny Perna’s two passions are flying and fishing. Perna joined these two interests to launch Epic Flight Academy’s inaugural aviation scholarship event with a fishing tournament to benefit the aviation scholarship established to support a local student’s flight training.
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Jim Hathaway presented the $20,000 aviation scholarship to Victoria Taranowski. Hathaway also presented the fishing tournament awards at the celebratory community event. The event featured a Waste Pro garbage truck pull contest, dozens of raffle items, a bounce house, catering by Dustin’s BBQ, and an appearance by nationally ranked aerobatic pilot, Patty Wagstaff.
A sophomore at DeLand High School, Victoria was selected as the Volusia County high school student with the means to achieve her aviation dreams. Victoria is a Florida native and an avid member of the Aviation Explorers, a local high school club for aspiring aviation professionals. Introduced to airplanes by her grandfather as a young girl, Victoria’s interest in aviation has grown over the years from an interest to a lifelong dream.
Epic thanks everyone who supported the scholarship event, from the anglers to the students that applied. Plans are already underway for the second annual aviation scholarship event in 2017.
Congratulations to the Billfish Bash Winners:
1st Place Team: Lor-a-Di
2nd Place Team: Heavy Hitter
3rd Place Team: Bonna Vear
Top Outboard: Lor-a-Di
Top Angler: Kyle Nelson
Junior Angler: Erik Perna
Lady Angler: Allison Wigley
1st Place Dolphin: Jason Prospect
1st Place Tuna: Chris Tomlinson