WRAM Radio, a Cleveland High School radio station, is one of three stations in the state participating in today’s High School Radio Day.
Throughout the day students at Cleveland High joined together with more than 78 high school radio stations from 30 states to make their community, their state, and the whole country aware of what they do and how they do it.
“Our station is unique,” said Cleveland High senior and station manager Charles Spencer. “I love our station because it’s not something many people have.”
According to senior Isabelle Van Camp, who is also a WRAM Radio station manager, participating in High School Radio Day (HSRD) has opened new doors to all of the station personnel. She said the students do not normally get to do a day-long live broadcast, but because of HSRD they were able stream live content all day.
Van Camp said the chance to work with so many of her classmates in the studio during the school day made the event special for her.
“We got to bond with each other,” said Van Camp. “We are normally all not in the studio at the same time.”
She added that she loved working with her peers because everyone brings something different to the table, especially taste in music.
“We have opened up to all different kinds of music,” said Van Camp. “Music we would have never heard of before.”
According to Spencer, the 5th Annual HSRD was special for him because of the people he reached through the station and the chance to do something not many other people have done.
“I love to be doing something nobody else is doing,” said Spencer. “Having this experience has been amazing. It’s allowed us to grow and branch out and do new things.”
Spencer added that being part of WRAM Radio has also helped him increase his self-confidence and become more aware of the importance of carrying himself well in public.
“It’s made me think about what it is that I’m putting out there. I have to think about when people look at me what are they going to see,” said Spencer. “You don’t get a do-over.”
WRAM Radio adviser John Wood, said he is proud of the work his students are doing.
“These kids work hard at what they do,” said Wood. “They are very excited about sharing what it takes to run a station.”
Wood added that all of the students working with WRAM Radio have learned real-world business skills.
“A lot of students are coming out of their comfort zone,” said Wood. “They are learning 21st Century skills that they can’t get in the classroom.”
According to Wood, several students working with the station have already been placed in radio internships.
“They’re becoming bigger people, better people, stronger people, through the art of radio,” he said.
Anyone interested in listening to WRAM Radio can visit the station online at www.wramradio.org.
