Greyhills students making a go of radio

TUBA CITY —Greyhills High School radio station, KGHR, is a bustling place. A handful of students dart around the station to the sounds of the “Red Hot Chili Peppers” and Jennifer Lopez , cueing up tapes and preparing music for the next segment. And while this student-run station is filled with constant activity, it is also filled with positive energy—an overwhelming sensation of pride and happiness.

KGHR — 91.5 on the radio dial — is a 24-hour positive learning tool, allowing students to take part in running their own shows, according to station manger Craig Brownell, a.k.a. “The Caveman.” Students take part in the whole on air experience—programming and planning—so they have “full control of what goes on.”

Students become involved with the KGHR experience by taking radio and TV classes. Along with Brownell, Operations Manager Darren Elmer and Linda Whitewolf teach students all the fundamentals of radio.

KGHR has been around since 1993. Originally a volunteer endeavor, it eventually became entirely student-run. Thirty-seven students now take Radio I/ TV and Radio II/ TV, the advanced class.

Brownell said that the radio station is opening up many doors for the students; some are even getting job offers..

For MariLynn Goldtooth , a.k.a.“Joey,” and LeAnn Skacy, a.k.a.“Annie” being on air has increased their confidence. The two girls have formed a program called “Two Chicks and a Mike,” which runs daily from 12-3:30 p.m.

“Our show has really made a difference for us,” said Skacy. “We are very comfortable on the air and we are not as shy.” Goldtooth and Skacy have been involved in radio for two years now, and they say they owe a lot of their confidence to their instructors. “They have really encouraged us and made us feel comfortable with radio work,” said Goldtooth. Both girls plan to continue in the radio business after graduation.

LaShannon Yazzie is another student who has been affected positively by the radio. Yazzie has been chosen to host a Native American show on KZGL AM radio in Flagstaff, and is in the process of putting together and hosting a Native American radio show for KGHR.

“Right now I am in the process of downloading music and brainstorming the types of Native American music that will be played on the show, said Yazzie.

When asked how Yazzie feels about all the opportunities coming her way, she smiled and said, “Everything came all of a sudden, but it is pretty cool and I am looking forward to all of it.”

These students were also able to gain more hands-on experience while attending the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico last November. The eight students who attended helped with the set-up backstage, ran cameras, and to utilized their interviewing skills.

While advanced radio student, Natasha Wolker had the opportunity to interview numerous people at NAMA, including “ClanDestine,” she said one of her most memorable experiences was her interview with the Navajo Code Talkers. “It was wonderful, to be talking with these people who played an important part of history,” said Wolker. “I admit I got a little teary-eyed while talking to them.”

“I started the classes two years ago and I am so thankful I have been involved in the radio, she said. Wolker, who has also received job offers with local radio stations, says that she, too, plans to continue working in radio after her graduation.

The KGHR instructors and students would like to thank all the area radio stations for their continued support.

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