ABOUT
We are The Beacon Today.
We are the staff and reporters for the news site of Palm Beach Atlantic University's School of Communication and Media. In addition to reporting on college-related news, we focus on localizing current issues, bringing attention to community events and highlighting stories from people who need to be heard.
Staff
Sofia Smith
Editor-in-Chief
Sofia is a Junior majoring in journalism. Born in raised in Bradenton, Florida, she has the passion for writing and reporting, and is an avid reader. She aspires to work in fashion journalism and has a strong interest in the fashion industry.
Kyla Ann Faircloth
Managing Editor
Kyla Ann is a Sophomore studying journalism and intercultural studies. She grew up as a missionary in Thailand and Malaysia where her passion for cultural diversity began. She enjoys covering travel and culture and hopes to become an international correspondent. Her other interests include dance, poetry, reading, and photography.
Emily Rodriguez
Broadcast Editor
Emily is a Junior studying journalism. She has a passion for global missions and covering stories from the field! She hopes to someday work in the Non-Profit sector serving vulnerable women around the world.
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Reporters
Reporters
Ava D'Andrea
Reporter
Ava is from Wellington, Florida and a is Sophomore majoring in journalism at PBA. She has a love for the ocean and traveling and hopes to one day be a travel journalist and sharing people's stories across the globe!
Eden Yacovetti
Reporter
Eden is a Junior majoring in journalism with a minor in social media management. Born and raised in Arcadia, Florida, she is very interested in forensics and criminal justice and hopes to work in some area of investigative reporting in the future. Her favorite part of The Beacon is its opportunities to cultivate her news writing abilities.
Aliya Navarro
Reporter
Aliya is studying Journalism at PBA.
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Erika Tavarez
Reporter
Erika is a reporter with a growing focus on sports. She is interested in the stories behind the stats and the impact athletics have on individuals and communities. Grounded in her faith, she strives to tell stories with honesty, thoughtfulness and meaning.
Hannah Tichenor
Reporter
Hannah is a Junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She lives in San Diego, California but grew up in Dallas, Texas. She loves photography, fitness/sports, and animals, especially those found in the ocean, particularly pique her interest. She's always had a deep love for writing and journalism; it allows her to freely express her thoughts and feelings, and once she puts them on paper, they always make more sense.
Lola Deamo
Reporter
Lola is a freshman from South Jersey studying journalism and writing for The Beacon Today. She's interested in covering campus and local events, as well as the systems that shape communities.
Sarah Gale
Reporter
Sarah is a journalism major with minors in biology and pre-law. She is known for asking way too many questions of everyone she meets. When she’s not badgering innocent bystanders with questions, she’s writing articles, novels and poetry.
Briley Reisman
Reporter
Briley is a student reporter from Lake County, FL and majoring in journalism. Her favorite things to do are write and spread the gospel. She is passionate about spreading the word through her writing and sharing knowledge that will inspire and transform others.
Avenlea Medina
Reporter
Avenlea is a sophomore at Palm Beach Atlantic and is studying
journalism! She is from Nashville Tennessee and adores travel and
writing. Avenlea aspires to be an investigative reporter who also
covers areas in travel and culture. She hopes to contribute
informative and interesting stories to The Beacon Today!
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Alizabeth Cross
Reporter
Alizabeth is a Junior majoring in journalism. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she is passionate about writing for the media. She is interested in covering ahtletics, fashion, and gaining hands on experience in reporting and interviewing. She aspires to get involved in the sports journalism industry.
Laci Othmer
Reporter
Laci is a student reporter with a passion for travel, the thrill of life and God’s mission field. Her desire is to challenge the world to look at creation through the creator’s lens and come to know the beauty of living in a world filled with opportunity and the chance to seek the truth!
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Faculty Advisor
Jiehua Zhang
Dr. Jiehua Zhang is an assistant professor of journalism and communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She worked in the news industry for more than 15 years, including 11 years with the Wall Street Journal Chinese site.