Sara Saeger, K3OOO
August 5, 2004 -- When Rick Saeger had some ham radio guest from Japan stay at his home, little did he know the profound effect that it would have on his five year old daughter. As a young child watching her dad operate in contests and chat with people from all over the world, Sara eventually felt that she would get her license and start meeting kids her own age from around the world.
Sara Saeger, K3OOO |
So, at age 8 Sara earned the call KB3CLQ. Now, at the age of 15, she is an Extra class operator and holds the call K3OOO, a salute to her father and mentor, K3OO. Sara credits many members of the Delaware-Lehigh ARC (DLARC), of which she is a member, with having helped her and influence her. "I'd have to say that the biggest influence, other than my dad, was Norm Zoltack, K3NZ." Affectionately referring to him as "Uncle Normie", Sara says "He always gives me a hard time about my Morse code skills, but boy does he encourage me." Before she got her ticket, dad acted as control operator and she would talk to Norm on 2 meters.
Sara also says that Tony Kazmakites, N2TK has been a big influence on her. Although Rick and Tony's friendship began through ham radio, both families have developed a strong relationship over the years and often socialize together.
Rick should not be surprised at his daughter's achievement because he got his first license at the age of 12 and has been contesting and DXing and setting records ever since.
With plans to major in Elementary Education in college Sara says that Amateur Radio has helped her in school. "It helps having met so many people through clubs and on the air because a lot of them can help me out with homework and tutor me on the air or through e-mail." Eventually she hopes to complete her master's degree in education.
In addition to DLARC, Sara is also a member of the Frankford Radio Club and has her DXCC and WAS awards. Sara says "Field Day has to be one of my absolute favorite ham radio events." When not operating Field Day with DLARC she loves to contest and often operates multi operator style either with her dad or her friend Trevor Conroy, W7TDC. Sara has made friends all over the world through ham radio.
 Sara, K3OOO, operating CQWW contest. |
Sara thinks that many more young people can be attracted to Amateur Radio if it is "perceived as "cool"" rather than a musty old hobby. She likes to point out that ham radio is a mixture of social activity and technology. Young people like the challenge that is offered by Amateur Radio and are proud of their achievements. Sara can be seen with her friend Trevor pitching ham radio to youngsters in a video from ICOM that was shot on location at the Dayton Hamvention.
Sara made her first trip to Dayton in 2003 and in 2004 the people at ICOM capitalized on her effervescent personality by making the video and having her talk to people that visited the ICOM booth. She describes herself as "a very social person" and says that Amateur Radio was a natural outlet for her. ICOM also turned Sara into a cartoon character in the second volume of their comic book series "The Adventures of Zack & Max". The comic books are aimed at introducing Amateur Radio to kids.
Sara's sunny personality and her zest for life will surely take her many places. Her fresh outlook on ham radio has allowed this spirited youngster to make many new friends and relationships that will last a lifetime and has also made her a great ambassador for the hobby.