Avis Aqua - Programming Updates - Issue I
PROGRAMMING UPDATES
MARITIME CLUB EMBARKS ON EXCITING PONTOON BOAT RESTORATION PROJECT
The Davis A&M Maritime Club has launched an exciting new initiative: the restoration of a classic pontoon boat that once played a key role in the club’s fleet. After years of wear and tear, the vessel needs significant repairs. Club members have come together with a shared goal—to bring the boat back to life. The project allows students to develop valuable skills in boat maintenance, problem-solving, and teamwork while contributing to the club’s future. Once completed, the restored pontoon will provide new opportunities for students to explore the water, participate in educational activities, and engage with the maritime community.
Stay tuned for updates as the restoration progresses.
DAVIS A&M ROBOTICS TEAM 8222 GEARS UP FOR COMPETITION SEASON
The Davis A&M Robotics Team 8222 is preparing to put their skills to the test in two major competitions this season. Since kicking off their season in January, the team has been hard at work designing, building, and programming a robot to compete in this year’s FIRST FRC Reefscape competition. Now, with months of dedication behind them, they are eager to showcase their creation on the big stage.
The team will be competing at the Miami Valley Regional Competition followed by the Buckeye Regional Competition (see more in the On the Horizon section). Both events are free and open to the public and a fantastic opportunity for family, friends, and robotics enthusiasts to cheer on the team as they take on the challenge.
Follow the team's progress, behind-the-scenes content, and competition updates on their Instagram page @the_argonauts8222.
AVIATION CLUB SOARS WITH AIRCRAFT UPGRADES, STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS, AND HANDS-ON LEARNING
The Davis A&M Aviation Club has been making significant upgrades and repairs to its aircraft while celebrating major student accomplishments. Some of the recent activities include:
- Upgrading the aircraft’s cockpit and exhaust system.
- Replacing the oil and filter and conducting several inspections.
- Restoring two gas-powered remote-control aircraft.
- Learning structural repair, engine maintenance, and the importance of adjusted flight controls.
- Preparing for the upcoming aircraft annual inspection this spring.
Our students have reached remarkable milestones:
- Noah and Raphael played an essential role in these maintenance efforts, gaining valuable hands-on experience in aircraft upkeep.
- Geremy and Sebastian were rewarded with a special flight to Carrollton, OH, recognizing their outstanding attendance.
- Randy and Montie have completed all Private Pilot Training requirements. They are waiting to take their final exam and officially earn their pilot’s licenses.
With so many hands-on learning experiences and student achievements, the Davis A&M Aviation Club continues to soar to new heights!
Fab Lab Innovations: From Skate Club to Soldering & Beyond!
The Fab Lab is buzzing with creativity as students take on a variety of exciting hands-on projects. Whether it’s designing and building custom skateboards, experimenting with new soldering techniques, or working on personal passion projects, there’s always something in the works.
Meanwhile, students diving into soldering and electronics are gaining valuable hands-on experience with circuits and wiring. Learning to solder opens the door to a deeper understanding of electronics, allowing students to work on everything from repairing devices to building custom tech projects.
In Skate Club, students are applying their engineering and design skills to create custom skate decks. From shaping and sanding the boards to adding personalized artwork, this project blends craftsmanship with creativity, allowing students to build something they can truly call their own.
With so much happening in the Fab Lab, the possibilities for learning and innovation are endless. Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible projects.
EMPOWERING STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES: EXCITING PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
Since the beginning of the school year in August, multiple students have had the opportunity to engage in various programs across the Greater Cleveland area. These exciting ventures include participating in the MAGNET Early College Early Career (ECEC) Program, the Cleveland Metroparks Fellowship Program, and internships at Cleveland State University.
During the summer, we have worked diligently with Youth Opportunities Unlimited to secure jobs for our students in various career fields. Our Argonaut team will operate and staff worksites such as Flotsam, Jetsam, 2543 Marine Safety Boat, and our Fabrication Lab.
A huge thank you to our community partners, United Airlines, Goodtime III, and the Greater Rapid Transit Authority, who agreed to host some of our students over the summer. Our students are extremely excited to work alongside these amazing companies. We look forward to an incredible Summer!
EMPOWERING STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES: EXCITING PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
Over the past year, we have been collaborating with Littoral Services, LLC, on a wetland restoration project. Three of our senior students had the opportunity to see the project through to completion. They learned how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), including developing a flight plan, capturing imagery, and creating orthomosaics. This hands-on experience provided them with valuable skills in the UAS field.
Thank you to Littoral Services and their team for allowing us to be part of this amazing project and mission!
Additionally, all of our students in the Argonaut Drone Club are gearing up to build our own Drone Soccer arena at Davis. We look forward to the start of the first Argonaut & Davis Soccer Team!
Avis Aqua - The Deeper Dive - Issue I
THE DEEPER DIVE
As we move into the final stretch of our 2024-2025 school year at the Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made together. Thanks to your ongoing support, we’ve experienced consistent growth and continue to achieve new milestones in empowering the next generation of aerospace and maritime leaders. Our students, faculty and staff continue to exceed expectations, and the launch of the Avis Aqua newsletter will allow you to celebrate these successes with us.
Next school year, our Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School student body will surpass 300 enrolled. We’re thrilled to welcome our new students and families and look forward to learning about the unique talents and perspectives each will bring. With your help, we will continue to provide an engaging space where all students feel valued and inspired to pursue their passions on the water and in the skies.
Behind the scenes the leadership of Davis A&M and Argonaut continue to explore new and innovative ways to support our teachers, students and families. This involves continuous assessment and adjustment of curriculum, staffing and partnerships to maximize success. We continue to cultivate our network of partnerships with local businesses, industry, educational institutions, and community leaders. These collaborations continue to open doors for internships, mentorships, and hands-on learning experiences. Davis A&M students are gaining invaluable real-world skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
As we continue to grow, we are planning new initiatives to further support our students. This includes enhancing our after-school programs, launching new summer work experiences, and expanding career-readiness and certification programs. We are excited by what the future holds for our students and are grateful to have you by our side.
Our Davis A&M / Argonaut team couldn’t do this without your continued support, and I want to express my deepest gratitude for your continued belief in our mission. Together, we are not just building greats program; we are building an extraordinary future for our kids.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting adventure.
-Drew
Avis Aqua - Student Section - Issue I
THE STUDENT SECTION
Cupid 2025 - Kaylin Gool - Class of 2028
Once upon a time, there was a teenager named Cupid. Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the God of war. Cupid was always dwelling on and on about love; maybe it's because he knows what it feels like to be in love.
Cupid was on his way to do his job when he saw the most stunning girl in all of Ancient Rome. This girl had golden blonde hair and skin glowing so bright that she could be mistaken for a star. Cupid introduced himself to the girl and found out her name was Psyche.
Cupid asked if he could take Psyche out for coffee sometime and to his surprise, she said yes. They walked to the nearest coffee shop together for the rest of the week, but Venus caught on that Cupid wasn’t doing his job.
Argonaut and the Port of Cleveland on the Water
Channel 5 News - Argonaut on the Water
CLEVELAND — Cleveland may be known as “The Freshwater Capital,” but keeping the waterways here clean is no easy feat. Yet, a group of young CMSD students, aspiring to be mariners, have been taking on the job alongside Argonaut staff.
The responsibility was granted through a contract with the Port of Cleveland. As Captain Drew Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Argonaut explained, this special crew is readily on standby. Argonaut’s mission is to “build adventures through immersive learning experiences that challenge assumptions and shift norms for growing empowered talent in aerospace and maritime fields.
“We are also assisting large commercial vessels up and down the river and responding to any emergencies or request for assistance,” he said. “Just like pilots need flight time mariners need sea time.”
While helping keep the navigation channel for traffic clean on these vessels, and helping with mechanical, fueling, and safety upkeep, the students are learning as they forge their own paths and future careers.
“I got out on the water freshman year, and it was just so like exhilarating being on the water… and then I realized that I really loved being a captain like I really loved that feeling that I got,” said Kayla Peterson, A Davis Aerospace and Maritime Sophomore.
But whether they choose a career in maritime, aerospace, or engineering, the key to this program’s success and curriculum, is community.
Click the link above to view more.
Sunset on the Harbor Cocktail Party
Location:
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
Date & Time:
September 15, 2023
6:30 to 10:00 PM
Argonaut will host the 2nd annual Sunset on the Harbor fundraiser at the Great Lakes Science Center, on Friday, September 15th.
Guests will enjoy chef-attended food stations and delicious cocktails surrounded by spectacular views of the Cleveland skyline and North Coast Harbor.
Sponsor packages and VIP tickets also include an added bonus – an unforgettable sunset cruise on Lake Erie.
Join us as we celebrate Argonaut and the growth of our programs!
Transportation Secretary Buttigieg tours Northeast Ohio as Infrastructure money starts flowing
Source: News 5 Cleveland
“The next stop was Cleveland’s Davis Aerospace and Maritime School, where high school students are learning some of the skills needed for careers in those areas of transportation.”
Kenny's kickin' it with Flotsam & Jetsam
Source: Fox8 Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland has two custom vessels that patrol the waters of the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland Harbor with the task of capturing and removing floating debris.
By Air or by Sea
Source:LIFT
While tutoring and mentoring students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Drew Ferguson (’01) saw firsthand the challenges facing inner-city kids. From food insecurity to inadequate housing, many of the students were impoverished, he says. But their greatest need wasn’t necessarily physical.
Planet CLE: Cleveland's Argonauts on a quest to keep waterways clean and safe
Source: WKYC
A group of high school students are spending some classroom time on the water. They take their name from the Greek Myth of Jason and the Argonauts, though they are not on the hunt for the golden fleece. Instead, they are on a quest to keep our waterways clean and safe.