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May 8, 2023

WOAS-FM Senior Salute

(l-r):  Graduating senior DJs Halle, Austin, Mason, and Will – the last in line, Matt is a Junior and we hope to have him back with us next year!

     As the 2022-2023 broadcast year comes to a close, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’ and wish our seniors well in their future endeavors.  Though our day shift was small, we were able to carry a full schedule throughout the past year.  The first student volunteer we need to thank would be Matt Immonen.  Even though Matt was not able to squeeze radio lab into his schedule this year, he was our most valuable player.  It was Matt who made sure the station was on the air between 8:00 and 8:30 am each and every day.  Matt performed his daily duty without fail and also found time to be part of the Strive 4 a Safer Drive – Don’t be Distracted 8 (S4SD – DbD8) group this year.  For his dedication, he is being recognized with the “Bradley/Harrison ‘Never Fail’ Engineering Award.

     Back in March, I asked each of our DJs to answer three basic questions:  1) Sum up your WOAS experience, 2) What surprised you about being a live radio DJ? And 3) What are your plans for the future?  Here are their responses:

Halle Floyd: 1) My WOAS experience was something that I will probably carry for the rest of my life.  Not many people get the opportunity to air their own show on a public radio station and experience a different perspective of radio, even if we are a smaller community.  I’ll forever be grateful that the opportunity was given to me.  2)  What surprised me the most about working on the air as a DJ was the amount of work that actually goes into it and the technology behind the scenes.  The entire process just to listen to music on the radio is mind blowing.  3)  After high school, I plan to attend Ferris State University to study Forensic Psychology and Biology.

Mason Totzke: 1) My WOAS experience was one to remember, it was a great environment with a stellar supervisor (manager’s note:  there is a young man who knows which side of the bread to butter).  Couldn’t have had more fun.  2) I was surprised at how quickly it became second nature talking on the air.  At first it was awkward and the more I did it, the easier it was.  3) I plan to attend Saint Norbert College in order to pursue my kinesiology degree.

Austin Razmus: 1) It was a fun experience.  I found it interesting how the radio system works. 2)  How much logging you had to do.  3) My future plans are to one day own my own business. 

Will Immonen:  1) My WOAS experience has been great so far. Throughout the year I;ve learned a lot and have enjoyed my time. 2) What surprised me about working on the air as a DJ is that it’s a lot easier than it looks,  Be yourself and all will be well.  3) My future plans after I graduate is to work a summer job at the Porkies.  From there with some job experience I will go into schooling for whatever I’m passionate about, if I find out what that is.

     Each year, we recognize the DJs for their contributions to WOAS-FM and this year is no exception.  This year’s DJs were honored as follows:

 Mason Totzke (12)

> S4SD – DbD8 Team Member 

> Thomas G. Lee Volunteer of the Year Award

> Mike “Zenith” Bennett Senior Service Award

Will Immonen (12)

> S4SD – DbD8 Team Member

> Thomas G. Lee Volunteer of the Year Award

> Margaret Muskatt Outstanding DJ of the Year Award

> Mike “Zenith” Bennett Senior Service Award

 

Halle Floyd (12)

>S4SD – DbD8 Team Member & Steering Committee Chair

>Thomas G. Lee Volunteer of the Year Award

 > Mike “Zenith” Bennett Senior Service Award

 

Austin Razmus (12)

>S4SD – DbD8 Team Member

> Thomas G. Lee Volunteer of the Year Award

 > Mike “Zenith” Bennett Senior Service Award

 

Matt Immonen (11)

>S4SD – DbD8 Team Member

> Thomas G. Lee Volunteer of the Year Award

>The Bradley/Harrison “Never Fail” Engineering Award 

 

     If you are wondering how we can have so many ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards, it is pretty simple.  There are a lot of little steps needed to keep the station running beyond simply playing music on the air.  We started the year with an all rookie team and they picked up what they needed to know very quickly and improved steadily as the year went on.  Yes, the DJs all earned their stripes this year broadcasting, but still managed to do much more.  Anytime they were asked to perform those essential ‘other tasks’, they stepped up.  Thank you to all our radio station volunteers – we wish you well with your future plans.  

     Fundraising for upgrading our transmitter has gone extremely well thanks to the generosity of many former DJs, community members, and others.  Although this year’s volunteers may be the last to broadcast at 88.5, we will be on the air through June and will keep you posted where to find us on the dial in the near future.

 

Top Piece Video:  Yes, we can say this crew was True to their School – Thank you to Disney – they even got the school colors right (for us)!