HHS “Tomcat Radio” is the only
commercial school station in state.
In 2004 WNWS-AM owner, Wireless Group Inc., made an
arrangement for the Haywood County Public School system to use
the station as a classroom. The result of this commercial and
educational venture – the only commercial radio station in a
school in the state of Tennessee. It was the beginning of a new
era in communication at the Haywood High Career and Technical
Center, thanks to the efforts of HHS Career and Technical
Principal Rhonda Thompson and the support of Director of Schools
George Chapman. The classes – broadcast journalism and media
concepts – are in their third year and going strong. HHS English
teacher Sheri Richards and former Brownsville Radio personality
Jerry Wilson taught the classes the first year, and now
Brownsville Radio’s Rita Hathcock teaches with Richards.
Mrs. Thompson received grants from the Workforce Development
Division of the Department of Labor for this new program. These
two classes integrate a workplace – a technically real radio
station on the air from dawn to dusk each day – academics and
technology. The students are learning the business of radio
while honing their communication, writing, technology,
presentation, marketing and sales skills daily. The music
catalogue is R & B and light rock.
“It’s a diverse, fast-paced class that requires students to
multi-task while doing their daily and weekly work,” said
Hathcock. “I believe these classes are teaching them great
skills for college and/or the workplace. In everything you do
you need communication skills. Students in our classes must
learn to research, write and communicate news and other items on
the air everyday. They must also learn to sell themselves as
personalities when they participate in the recording process.”
Richards also has many years’ experience in drama, which is a
big plus for the students. While both teachers give students
direction in all phases of the job of running a radio station,
Richards can help students bring their everyday performances
“alive” on the air.
“She can help them with their diction, the delivery of their
words, and their performance on air which really enhances the
quality of the recordings,” Hathcock said.
The classes are now in the process of fine-tuning, so to
speak, their on-air shows and music, recording radio shows and
developing “theme” hours for certain hours of the day. “Our
students are a very talented group of individuals,” Hathcock
said. “I am learning something from them every day.”
Both teachers know they are breaking new ground here, with
the help of Mrs. Thompson, and they are determined to produce a
quality radio station. In addition to the daily and weekly
reports at HHS, students are also making announcements about
happenings at the other schools in the system and in the
community.
“We hope community members will tune in to our radio station
when they can during the day,” Hathcock said. “These kids are
working hard to make this radio station a good commercial
product and one that community members can enjoy.”
Remember, the next voice you may hear on WNWS – Brownsville,
1520AM may be that of a student you know. Tune in – you’ll be
amazed at their talent and proud of their work.
Click on any photo to see an enlarged photograph
