Schirra Squadron Participates in Super Science Saturday

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (March 17, 2026) — Members of Civil Air Patrol’s Walter M. Schirra Composite Squadron joined schools and organizations from across the region to participate in Super Science Saturday, described as the “Greatest Science Extravaganza in Northern New Jersey.

This year’s annual STEM event attracted more than 1,300 students, parents and educators from across the region.

Held at Ridgewood High School, the event brought together science enthusiasts of all skill levels and disciplines for a day of learning and hands-on exploration. At their booth, titled “STEM in the Air Force,” Schirra Squadron cadets introduced visitors to Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education programs through a series of interactive demonstrations.

Displays included aerospace models, an overview of the Civil Air Patrol Model Rocketry Program, hands-on paper airplane design and demonstrations using CAP STEM kits.

Super Science Saturday is a joint initiative of the Ridgewood Board of Education and the Super Science Saturday Volunteer Committee. The annual event is designed to inspire interest in science among young people while engaging the broader community.

“Most of all, we hope to spark an interest in science among children and show them the wonders of science,” said Capt. Rik Jones, cadet programs officer for the Schirra Composite Squadron.

The paper airplane activity quickly became a favorite among students as participants designed and tested their own aircraft while learning basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight. Cadets guided younger students through the activity, explaining how wing shape, weight distribution and launch technique affect flight performance.

Through the outreach event, the NJ-090 cadets helped inspire curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while showcasing Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to aerospace education and community engagement.

Participating squadron members included C/1st Lt Sivakumar Pichappan, C/1st Lt Ryan McDermott, 1st Lt Pichappan Odaiyappan, C/SMSgt Ryan D’Silva, C/MSgt Elliot Khersonsky, C/SSgt Thorsen Young, C/SrA Nicholas McDermott, C/Amn Theodore Mol, C/AB Alice Romascanu, C/AB Sebastian Polanco, C/AB Victor Niedbala and C/AB Mikel Baduge.

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For More Information:

Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP

(609) 306-0966

Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov