This edition: Teens put their communications skills to work, activities at a recent youth-friendly hamfest, the Georgia Young Ham of the Year Award winner, scholarship deadlines and upcoming events.

Young Hams Honored for Hurricane Volunteer Work

Officials pose with Joseph Gadus III, KE5BVQ: (L-R) Suzanne Sellner, academic dean, Home Run Ministries; Dave Paperman, W5WP, Montgomery County ARES; Frank Gutierrez, Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinator; Joseph Gadus III, KE5BVQ; Nicky Kelly, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management deputy coordinator; Keith Lejeune, ALERT manager for Harris County; Walter "Rusty" Herman III, KB5R, Texas VHF-FM Society vice president.

ARRL Georgia Section Manager Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, awards Phillip Millerd, KG4ZHD, an ARRL Certificate of Merit in recognition of his involvement in Katrina relief work.

Congratulations to Joseph Gadus III, KE5BVQ, of Porter, Texas, who was recognized by Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for his "skills and maturity in providing radio communications" during the recent Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. An ARRL member, Gadus, 13, is an active member of the Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Service. He also belongs to the Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators radio club in Kingwood and the Texas VHF-FM Society.

Gadus served at several sites within the affected area. Frank Gutierrez, Coordinator for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said that Gadus "demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism, maturity and commitment that served as an example to all of our young people."

On November 5, another young ham was honored for his participation in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Following his presentation at the Alford Memorial Hamfest Youth Forum, Phillip Millerd, KG4ZHD, was surprised by ARRL Georgia Section Manager Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, who recognized him with an ARRL Certificate of Merit and a $300 check to help offset Millerd's out-of-pocket costs. Millerd deployed to Gulfport, Mississippi, and did more than his fair share of duty, volunteering and providing emergency communications. In fact, he even returned home and went back to the disaster area for more.

Said Swiderski: "It was a huge honor to present Phillip with a check for the full $300 on behalf of the Gwinnett ARES group and that wonderful donor. Phillip is the oldest of eight children, and his father is currently serving in Iraq, and he was most definitely a worthy choice."

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Stefan Floyd, KI4JTA, doesn't have to look at the newspaper to know what a disaster zone looks like. He's been in a few of them himself. As a member of Capital District ARES in Tallahassee, Florida, the Tallahassee Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and the local chapter of the American Red Cross, he has responded to help in the wake of several hurricanes in Florida, working with the Red Cross mobile kitchens. For his efforts, he received the Red Cross Youth in Action Award in 2005.

More recently, he spent a week in Hancock County, Mississippi, where towns such as Waveland, Bay St Louis and Pass Christian suffered catastrophic damage--or in some cases, almost ceased to exist. He and his dad Gene Floyd, AI4KK, spent a week as a mobile communication team attached to the Hancock County EOC, performing various duties ranging from transporting supplies, temporarily covering communication sites as needed or relieving other operators.

One of the father-son team's bigger assignments was obtaining GPS coordinates of the many water and food depot locations. They did it the hard way--locating them by whatever means available (who says men won't stop and ask directions?) and plotting them with a GPS receiver hooked to their laptop. This made it much easier for out-of-town drivers to find and replenish these repositories.

Using the same laptop and mapping software for navigation, Stefan made it much easier to drive in the stricken area, which, because of a lack of street signs and recognizable landmarks--not to mention many distractions and other dangers such as sharp debris and muddy ruts--was hazardous duty. At 5'8" and 180 lb, he also was much in demand anytime something heavy needed moving.

As the team was preparing to return to Tallahassee, members were asked to assist in getting the only local FM broadcast station back on the air. Storm-surge flooding had made the road to the transmitter site impassable by conventional means. While his dad maintained contact with the EOC, Stefan and the local ARES Emergency Coordinator were able to wade a half-mile through waist-deep floodwater to refuel the diesel generator and get Hancock County's only source of news and music back up and running.

2005 Alford Memorial Hamfest Youth Activities a Success

During a warm-up activity during the Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest Youth Forum, participants attempt to find those who have birthdays in the same month they do--without talking.

Twenty-seven enthusiastic youth showed up for the Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest Youth Forum. Rear L-R: Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM; Shantel Richardson; Trevor Homes; Ray Back, KI4GRJ; Rebekah Dorff, WG4Y; Jamie Bruce, KG4SKK; Berkley Griffin; Chris Evans, KI4FUS; Cameran Cato, KI4KJR; Phillip Millerd, KG4ZHD; Zack Loggins, KI4IOA; Connie Cote, N4CAC. Middle (beginning with Yaesu hat, L-R): Mayra Deras; Holly Zorca, KI4LJH; Jay Barnhardt, KI4LYL; Matthew Zorca, KI4LRL; James Greene, KG4ZZD; Robert Crone, W4RFC; Alex Blitch, K4ALX; Riley Kinser. Front (L-R): Nicholas Sasanas; Christina Sasanas; Abigail Griffin; Tinsley Griffin, KI4HAV; Valerie Voswinkel; Brittany Voswinkel; Vlises Deras; Danny Langhoff. [Scott Hartlage, KF4PWI, Photos]

The Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest youth dinner was also well attended. Left side: Laura Hartlage; Connie Cote, N4CAC; Ray Back, KI4GRJ. Right side: Rebekah Dorff, WG4Y; Brittney Hancock; Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM (your editor); Jamie Bruce, KG4SKK. [Jim Cote, N4PJR, Photo]

On November 5 and 6, the Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest in Lawrenceville, Georgia was once again bustling with youthful radio amateurs and prospective radio amateurs. Forty-two young and prospective young hams attended the youth activities, which included a youth lounge, special event station W4Y and a youth forum, featuring Phillip Millerd, KG4ZHD.

Millerd's excellent presentation covered his involvement in providing communication support in Mississippi during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He encouraged his young attendance to find a way to make themselves "heroes," He pointed out that heroes don't have to be famous or have supernatural powers, but that a hero is "someone who sacrifices something to help others." And, he added, ham radio is a great way to use your skills to perform heroic actions, whether it's helping with hurricane relief efforts or providing communication for a local parade.

Many youth also took advantage of the hamfest's Amateur Radio scavenger hunt and fox hunt; several "foxes" even brought their own direction-finding equipment this year. Of course, refreshments and door prizes were another highlight, and both were plentiful, thanks to a number of generous sponsors.

ARRL representatives included Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, from ARRL Headquarters. A youth dinner, held Saturday evening, was attended by seven youth.

N4CAC is Georgia Section Young Ham of the Year

Connie Cote, N4CAC (left), receives the Georgia Section Young Ham of the Year Award (and prizes!) from Robert Tyler, KF4VBR, Alford Memorial Radio Club President; Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, ARRL Georgia Section Manager; and Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, your editor and ARRL Georgia Assistant Section Manager/Youth. [Scott Hartlage, KF4PWI, Photo]

Also at the Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest Youth Forum, 17-year-old Connie Cote, N4CAC, was named Georgia's first Young Ham of the Year. A dedicated ham, Cote is active in ARES and has taken numerous courses related to emergency communications. In addition to being an excellent and busy student, she's participated in several ham radio public service events.

Cote received a Kenwood 2 meter radio, a 2 meter/6 meter antenna, an atomic wrist watch, $100 in cash and a Chick-Fil-A calendar and "bobble head cow."

Marvin Ray Back, KI4GRJ, and Patrick Wilson, KG4YUV, received honorable mention. Twenty-year-old Back is an active member of the Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) and very involved in scouting, especially Venture Crew 73, a co-ed scouting group that focuses on ham radio. Sixteen-year-old Wilson is an Amateur Extra class licensee, enjoys building radios and working satellites, and is also involved in a number of ham radio and extracurricular activities.

The Georgia Section Young Ham of the Year Award recognizes exemplary young hams on the Section level. Seven judges assisted with the decision this year. Thanks to Sue Godwin, W4SUE; Robin Kemp, KD5QEL; Bob Smith, K4PHE; Lee McDaniel, WB4QOJ; Al Menges, KF4NXL; Sid Bishop, KB4QKZ; and Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT. Thanks, also, to the sponsors of this award: Kenwood, Ham Radio Outlet, MFJ, the Alford Memorial Radio Club and Chick-Fil-A.

Scholarship for Young Radio Amateurs!!!

Attention all students! Looking for money to help cover your college tuition and expenses? The ARRL Foundation Scholarship program offers numerous scholarships just for Amateur Radio licensees. Visit the ARRL Foundation Scholarship Programs Web page and find out how to apply. Act quickly, however. Applications and transcripts must be postmarked by February 1, 2006.

The Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) is another source of scholarship money. FAR plans to administer 54 scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year. Radio amateurs may compete for these awards if they plan to pursue a full-time course of studies beyond high school and are enrolled in or have been accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college or technical school. The awards range from $500 to $2500 with preference given in some cases to residents of specified geographical areas or to those who are pursuing certain courses of study. For additional information and an application form, send a letter or QSL card postmarked prior to April 30, 2006, to: FAR Scholarships, PO Box 831, Riverdale, MD 20738.

Kid's Day: January 8, 2006

One popular event for young people, just around the corner, is Kid's Day. This is a great way to meet other young people on the air as well an excellent way for experienced radio amateurs to introduce youngsters to ham radio. So, whether you're operating by yourself, with friends, or with a large group, don't miss Kid's Day this January (there's another Kid's Day in June). Please share your Kid's Day stories and photos with me.

All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate (it becomes the child's personalized sales brochure on ham radio). You can download this certificate for free, customized with the kids' names, after filling out the Kid's Day Survey, or send a 9x12 SASE to Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1357; Boring, OR 97009. Learn more by joining the Kid's Day Reflector.

School Club Roundup: February 13-17

If you're involved in a school radio club, this is the contest for you. Always held the second full week in February, the School Club Roundup is a great way to talk to youth at other schools. Not part of a school radio club? You can participate in the individual or club category.

Winter Reading

• New England, Canadian Youngsters Log Successful Space Contacts (Dec 7, 2005)
• Spacewalks "Thrilling," Astronaut Tells Students during Ham Radio Chat (Nov 30, 2005)
• Lost Items Usually Turn Up Eventually Aboard ISS, Astronaut Tells Students (Nov 23, 2005)
• Feature: The Amateur Radio Crossword Puzzler (Nov 22, 2005)
• Students in Italy, England Entertained, Educated via Ham Radio (Nov 16, 2005)
• Nearly Every Day is "Casual Friday" Aboard ISS, Japan Youngsters Learn (Nov 9, 2005)
• ARRL Foundation approves more new scholarships (Nov 2, 2005)
• Feature: The Amateur Radio Crossword Puzzler -- "Eclectic Electric #6" (Nov 2, 2005)
• New ISS Commander Delights Japanese Youngsters via Ham Radio (Oct 27, 2005)
• Foundation for Amateur Radio announces scholarships (Oct 21, 2005)
• ISS Astronaut Gets in the JOTA Spirit (Oct 21, 2005)

Remember to . . .

• Check into the Echo Link Connecticut Amateur Radio League of Youth (CARLY) Net--Sundays at 7 PM Eastern Time on the K3KID-L link.

• Try the ARRL Youth Sked Database to set up on-air schedules with other young hams.

• Visit the North American Youth Net (NAYN) voice net on Fridays from 23:00 to 2330 UTC on 14.329 MHz and the NAYN PSK net on 14.075 MHz (near 1500 Hz) Sundays at 2300 UTC.

• Visit the IRLP New Ham Trivia Net, which takes place on a linked 440 repeater system in Southern California and on IRLP Node 3500. Check in with NCS Brandon Umbarger, KG6NMQ, Fridays, 7 PM Pacific Time.

• Look for other youth on subchannel 06 of the 9600 IRLP Reflector. Philadelphia IRLP Reflector owner, Vic Tenaglia, N3IO, was kind enough to invite Amateur Radio's youth to use the reflector for youth communications.

• Check in with the ".275 Youth Group," an informal "rag chew" group, on Saturdays, at 9 PM Eastern on 7.275 MHz ±10 kHz.

• Check into the World Wide Youth Net (WWYN) Saturdays, 1900 UTC, on 21.305 MHz.

• Try the Young Amateur Echolink Net (YAEN) by checking in with net control, Michael Braun, N3CA, on the WASH_DC Conference server, node 6154, on Fridays at 9:00 PM Eastern.

New to Amateur (Ham) Radio?

• Explore the Web site (this one!) of ARRL--the National Association for Amateur Radio. There's lots here, like the Harmonics (Youth) Web page.
• Take practice Amateur Radio exams on the QRZ.com or eHam.net Web sites.
• Read previous Youth@HamRadio.Fun columns.
• Find a local radio club.
• Attend a local hamfest (Amateur Radio convention).

But most of all, get involved. No excuses!

Final Comments

Thanks to everyone for their continued support of this column. Be sure to tell me about your Kid's Day and School Club Roundup operations and let me know about any youth-related ham radio activities taking place in your area. As always, photos are encouraged. If you know of a young ham who has made a noteworthy accomplishment---license upgrade, award etc, let me know so that I can feature them in the "Congratulations Corner."

Editor's Note: Sixteen-year-old Extra-class operator and ARES Member Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, resides in Grayson, Georgia. Her Amateur Radio activities include public service, kit building, hamfesting and operating SSB, CW and digital modes. Amateurs with youth-related news and photos are invited to contact Andrea via e-mail with the subject line "Youth Column."

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