DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The annual Embry-Riddle Student-Athlete Convocation was held Monday night inside the ICI Center, after being postponed from its originally-scheduled date in September as a result of Hurricane Dorian. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a pair of scholarship recipients, Ukeyvia Beckwith and Christina Velaquez.
 
Beckwith, a junior cross country/track & field athlete, received the first-ever Howard Walls, Jr. Track and Field Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, commemorating the achievements, aviation career and legacy of Embry-Riddle Athletics Hall of Famer and All-American Howard Walls, Jr. has been endowed via a unique funding partnership between Walls' teammates, family and colleagues, as well as a corporate contribution from Allegiant Air in support of future aviation professionals. The scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding track athlete whose goal is to pursue a career in the aviation industry.
 
Beckwith is a 13-time USTFCCCA All-South Region performer in track & field and was named the 2019 Peach Belt Conference Track Athlete of the Year after winning the 400m and high jump at the meet. She was also a PBC champion in the high jump and the 4x400m relay in 2018 and finished 25th at this year's Sunshine State Conference Cross Country Championships.
 
Velasquez, a sophomore defender on the women's soccer team, received the Rita Campos "Heart of an Eagle" scholarship. The scholarship, which honors the legacy of Rita Campos, who worked for ERAU's Dining Services for over 20 years and became one of Embry-Riddle Athletics' biggest fans, was established through a crowdfunding campaign in 2017. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student-athlete that meets established criteria and best represents Rita and her passion and dedication to Embry-Riddle Athletics.
 
Velasquez was selected to the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll as a freshman last year after appearing in nine games with six starts for the Eagles. This season she has started 11 games, anchoring a defense that has allowed just 12 goals and recorded five shutouts. This past weekend, she helped lead the Eagles to their first Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship and was named to the SSC All-Tournament Team.