Kind Words
Eternally grateful for the kind words from the following people…thank you from the bottom of my heart!
When asked in a Facebook group, who was your favorite teacher in high school, Peter Starkel (1987) said: “Out of all the teachers, I would say that Pete Bowers had the most lasting impact on my life. I don’t believe I went longer than a year without being involved with a radio station. I owe much of that to the way Pete guided all of us at WBFH”.
PB-Mr. Bowers is one of the reasons I actually do the job that I do. He was such a great teacher, so helpful, so funny. He really is an All Star, he’s awesome! He’s constantly looking to the future and helping students find their own path and I think someone who has that talent is so important for kids, to help them find what do I want to do, what do I want to be and how do I do that. Thank you for giving me my start in this crazy business. You changed my life for the better-you are an amazing teacher! The Biff will never be the same! Heather Catallo
Bowco-I can’t thank you enough for the positive influence you were on me in high school and still to this day. The best teacher, mentor, counselor and so on… High school life would have been completely different without you and the Biff. You are amazing! Michelle Conner
Thank you Pete Bowers-truly the only teacher I connected with in all my years in Bloomfield Hills School District. You gave me the confidence I needed just at the right time which has served me well my whole live! Dave McClary
I love Mr. Bowers. Honestly, my fondest memories of high school, hands down, was my time at WBFH and Mr. Bowers, we called him Mr. Bowers of course back then. He did so much to inspire all of us through the radio program and a lot of us have gone into the business. Through the years you've helped mold so many young lives!!! You truly are the best! JoAnne Purtan
Those of us whose lives you touched and molded all knew your fabulous career #1 was like a 12 hour broadcasting day that would eventually end. But that doesn't mean we weren't all hoping it would more resemble Spring Celebration and go on forever. This is equally thrilling and not surprising to any of the thousands of people, especially students, on whom you've had such an enormous impact along your journey. Congratulations and thank you. You are loved and admired across generations and area codes, and your baby will be in good hands. Scott Meach
Pete-You played a major part in so many people’s lives. You’ve given them a glimpse at different career possibilities other than standard choices. You made school fun and interesting. Thanks for touching so many of your student’s lives. You have meant so much to so many. Enjoy your retirement. Heather Monk Doran
Dear PB-You were a huge positive influence on our son Foster. You sparked his interest in radio, gave him a place to belong and hang out, also a creative outlet. We can’t thank you enough. You will be sorely missed. Louise and Aaron Stubbs, parents of Foster Stubbs
Greetings PB! I wish I could be there for your retirement party. One thing that sucks about college is that I can’t stop by the Biff in between my classes. The Biff was always my home away from home in high school and I just wanted to thank you for giving me that special place. It’s crazy to think that there will be someone other than you running the station next year. You truly built up a dynasty worthy of John Wooden’s UCLA basketball teams or even the Roman Empire. The Biff is a testament to your hard work and dedication to students like me. I will never be able to repay you for what you and the Biff meant to me, I was so blessed to have you as my “radio dad.” If anyone deserves a peachy retirement, it’s you. Don’t have too much fun though. Foster Stubbs
No matter how my day is going, Mr. Bowers is always there to brighten up my day with his “Bowersisms” or his amazing humor. So far, some of my best memories of high school have been with Mr. Bowers by my side. Andrew Brown
As debates continue within the business community about how to support education, there is a lesson we can learn from an educator who is worthy of celebration. Pete Bowers is retiring after 41 years as a teacher and, as he is well-known in local broadcasting circles, the station manager of WBFH-FM in Bloomfield Hills, a community radio station staffed primarily by the students he has mentored since the "The Biff" first signed on the air in 1976. "Bitten by the broadcasting bug" as a college student, Bowers channeled that passion into a career, in his hometown, filled with indelible influence. One of the unusual aspects of the communications business is the lack of barriers to entry. There is no state certification, no licensing exams. Would-be entrants just need someone to open the door to a career. For me, that was Bowers. When I was just 11 years old, as a sixth-grader fascinated by media, he gave me a radio show he named "Middle School Spotlight." As a senior in high school, he named me the station's operations manager, overseeing a staff of 30. In between, I learned how to DJ, anchor news, report sports and call play-by-play. In more than four decades, he gave similar career head starts to WXYZ-TV's Heather Catallo and JoAnne Purtan, WXYT-FM's Scott "The Gator" Anderson and WDET-FM's Jake Neher, among dozens of others. Sure, we all grew up in and around Bloomfield Hills, which provided us with multiple advantages. But it was Bowers who created an environment that encouraged teamwork and fresh thinking, invaluable lessons for communicators and others who have enjoyed success in a wide range of professions. At a retirement luncheon June 3 (2017), administrators, colleagues and alumni thanked Bowers for all he has sent into the lives of his students. In a mix of laughter and tears, we spoke on how experiences as a teenager have shaped our lives as adults. All of the comments had something in common — we talked of intangibles, not anything that can be measured by standardized tests. One former student, now an FBI agent, drove 500 miles from Virginia to be there. Another, an internet entrepreneur, flew in from Atlanta. A third, a teacher and debate coach in Florida, flew in to say, "The three biggest positive influences in my life have been my mother, my father and Pete Bowers.” Too often, the word we hear the most in business is negative — "no." Forget about creativity. Just hit your numbers. Make the boss happy. Keep your head down. Don't cause trouble. But with Pete Bowers, the answer to students was always "yes." When I, at 14, wanted to be the first broadcaster, perhaps nationally, to call a middle school basketball game on the radio, he said "yes." Three years later, when I wanted to rack up long distance charges interviewing national media figures on a talk show, he said "yes." Two of many examples of experiences then that built skills used now. Pete Bowers saw his role not just to manage, not just to teach, but also to empower. If we can all figure out ways to say "yes" to career-minded young people, his legacy will long outlast his retirement. Matt Friedman
As the creator, builder and driving force behind WBFH Radio, Pete Bowers championed non-commercial educational broadcasting and afforded our youth the opportunity to establish themselves as communicators, problem-solvers and leaders. His 41-year career with the Bloomfield Hills Schools was remarkable in that he encouraged, coached and empowered many students on to successful careers in the communications industry, be it radio, television or film. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work along side Pete those many years and consider myself lucky to have been part of his team. Ron Wittebols
Paul Gaba: The three biggest positive influences in my life have been my mother, my father and Pete Bowers. There is no way on God's green earth I could ever fully capture what his role as a teacher, mentor, professional supervisor, and - most importantly - friend has meant to me over that time period. The educational broadcast world will be losing a major voice with his retirement, but there are thousands of voices in multiple professions which continue to make a difference thanks in no small part to his guidance. Thank you, PB, for everything.
It's hard to believe you are retiring, it's also hard to believe it's been 41 years! Congrats Pete Bowers, you deserve it, leaving on your terms and leaving an amazing, lasting legacy for all to be in awe of (I know, ending a sentence in a preposition is poor grammar, but I also said the word "Suck" as a Senior staffer during a speech in front of hundreds at a Share-a-thon for high school radio). This is awesome Pete Bowers, you're in the Hall of Fame! First it was Jack and Tram, now Pete, perfect! Congratulations, you deserve it and continue to inspire through your life after radio, my man! You gave me direction as a 16 year old and I haven't deviated from that path to this day. Thank you so much for opening up this world of broadcasting to so many, you epitomize what teaching is all about! Scott Anderson
Mr. Bowers, you were an AMAZING teacher! The BIFF changed my life! Because of your vision to build a high school radio station that many young and budding journalists began their career on is a testimony of not only your influence, but also the great legacy you will leave behind! Congrats on retirement and also doing an unbelievable job as GM for 41 years at the #1 High School Radio Station in the Nation....WBFH...The BIFF!!!! Brent Hatchett
Pete, hundreds of students can testify to your skills, knowledge, wisdom, and patience. And there are a lot of broadcasting teachers around Michigan who will attest to your willingness to help further the teaching of communication skills. Congratulations! David Legg (former manager of WOVI, Novi High School)
Need some time to figure this out: I always LIKE the programs that are perpetually positive for BHHS, I LOVE Pete and the BIFF, I am SAD that this day must come, I always say WOW at the great broadcasting program that has won award after award, year after year, for individuals and the station as a whole, oh, and now, whew, a tear of happiness for what is to come for Pete. Just wow. Ingrid Day (School Board President)
This is a historic day in Detroit radio history. It was my privilege to be on your WBFH staff from '79-81. Getting to wear so many hats helped me to become an advertising writer, especially in creating and producing commercials for radio. When I remember my days at Andover I remember you. Thanks so much & congrats Pete on one heck of a ride! Chris Hill
Wow... Congrats, PB. I'm so grateful for your guidance and your dedication to instilling in young people a love for radio broadcasting. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without you. Best wishes in all future endeavors! Jake Neher
Broadcast education will be much the poorer once you have left the scene, Pete. We are most proud to have you as a BCA alum and salute your tremendous contribution to the vibrancy of high school radio! Dr. Pete Orlik (CMU professor)
Best. Teacher. Ever! Andrea Mellon McNamara
Pete, congratulations and welcome to the HOF! I enjoyed being able to congratulate you in person at the award ceremony and to listen to your remarks on your induction. A well-deserved special acknowledgment for a dedicated and talented educator. Steve Schram (HOF)
This is bittersweet news. Your retirement is well deserved, but I can't imagine the BIFF with you. You were one of my most influential teachers. So many lessons I learned from you I still apply today. Thank you for your service!! Staci Daniels-Sommers
Thank you PB. I can speak for all staff alumni when we say you've had a meaningfully positive impact on our lives. Ryan Bloom
It was great to be there as WBFH and Bloomfield Hills Public Schools honored Pete Bowers by naming their studio after him. Pete has an amazing legacy of making the difference in the lives of so many students. It was also great to see David Legg there. Dave also had that same impact at WOVI and Novi High School. I have lots of respect for these two men. Bill Keith (Manager WSDP, Plymouth-Canton)
Congrats! Enjoy your retirement. Thanks for all the wonderful memories and for being such an amazing role model to many students. Trammel, Jack Morris and now you! Congrats Pete on this amazing honor. Ric Blackwell
The greatest thing PB created was the feeling of family among Staff members. Ric Blackwell
Teams of, and teems of, professional broadcasters in the business thanks to Pete. In all different walks of the industry at all different levels, working gigs they love. "find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life". many can say that thanks to Bowers/WBFH. Rob Simpson
PB, thank you for your decades of service to our community and for bettering so many lives along the way. You have been such a positive force in the lives of so many and such a patient and giving teacher. "Someone else" has impossible shoes to fill! Chad Shepard
I think it's time to officially change the station's call name to WPBFH! ;) These comments are a testament to your dedication to education and broadcasting. Chief, you have touched many lives and inspired many students through your work. The ripple effects of your passion for broadcasting are evident all across the country. I've got Jacksonville, FL covered as a proud member of the WJCT Board of Trustees, and it all started in a little studio at WBFH. Thank you! Can't wait to hear what's next! Cathleen O’Bryan Murphy
Congratulations, Pete! If it weren’t for the Saturday Morning Jams program and the opportunity to be on-air in high school, I would have never held the jobs or had the amazing experiences in radio that I did during and after college. I’m sure that I am just one of many that will say this, but having you as a teacher and seeing your passion for broadcasting really did change my life. Best of luck in retirement and thanks for everything! Rob Daitch
The skills and lessons I learned in those old studios come into play each and every day and are a big part of who I am. I'm sure you'll find the most capable hands to take the reigns but it's the end of an era! Congratulations on an incredible career. I'm feeling lucky to have been a part of it! Daniel Muskovitz
Pete - BH and the teaching community is losing an icon. You've made an impact on thousands of students the world is a better place because of your efforts. Best of luck to you! Doug Pfaff
Congratulations Pete on being inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame, this is a well deserved honor, as Bloomfield Hills owes so much to you for all you have done and all the lives you have changed including the birth of " PK Sports" Paul Kolin (School Board member)
Hall of Fame…so well deserved!!! You are & always will be the BEST!!! Celeste Montone
You’re the guy who gave me my first leadership opportunity. Dave McClary
Omg!! You were such an amazing teacher not only during my years at the Biff but for all your students all throughout your career. I find myself falling back on experiences and lessons I learned from you and from being on the air in my everyday life. I am so thankful for you for awarding me along with many other students over the years the opportunity to have our own show and for allowing us to express ourselves through sound, words and music. The BH school district is losing an icon but gaining a long lasting legacy! Enjoy your retirement to the fullest!! Pam Abghari
You have been an important figure in broadcast education and a big reason so many of your students went on to succes. You certainly were a big help to the development of the student outreach of the MAB Foundation's. THANK YOU from the members and board of the MAB & MABF. Karole White (Michigan Association of Broadcasters President/CEO)
PB, congratulations. The progress the biff has made from my freshman year till now is truly remarkable and that is solely due to your hard work. I hope that one day I can be as lucky as you are to wake up every morning with smile on your face knowing you have work today. While I didn't pursue radio in college your teaching and passion has still played a huge roll in shaping who I am. Good luck to you and your first wife Claudia as you navigate your next journey in life. Blake Perlman
I "liked" this post because it's always a good thing when professionals get to make career decisions on their own terms. Those of us who were lucky to live in the right place at the right time will be eternally grateful for the opportunities you provided to us. For me, it was the foundation of my professional life. Think of it this way, the career may be ending in one sense after 41 years but it could continue in another for at least another 41 years. As long as there's a Biffer putting your lessons into practice, you are still, to some extent, on the job. Let this be the beginning of the best farewell tour that radio has even seen! Matt Friedman
PB, your impact on the community and your students can not be overstated. You allowed your students a level of freedom to explore creativity that has been unmatched in my education. Your teaching career may be over, but you have certainly left your mark. Thank you and congrats! Dylan Deitch
You are famous! And not just because you were our Class President! Sue Hartemayer
I truly appreciate the time we were able to spend together preparing you for retirement and getting to know a little bit about Pete Bowers. You are one of a kind-and I mean that in the best way-and I will remember you most for your warmth and humor! Best wishes to you as you ‘drop the mic’ for the last time at the BIFF and begin the next chapter! Karen Healy (Director-Human Resources and Payroll)
BIIIIIGGGGG shoes to fill! I’m a drama and video production teacher because of my experiences at WBFH 1978-81. Thank you Pete for all your inspiration and guidance back in those good old late 70's! I would not be the teacher I am today without YOU as my teacher back then. Thank you for setting the course of my career and life! Peace! David Stein
Congratulations Pete on entering the Broadcasting Hall of Fame! We (the class of '71) and everyone who knows you, are so proud of you. I wish broadcasting was available when we were in high school and I had a teacher like you! Trent Dalrymple
You deserve it Mr Bowers. Words can't express the gratitude we all have for you having been in our lives. George Steven Tunis
WBFH was one of the best times in my life. Pete, you were a remarkable teacher and mentor. Kyle McAdams
Congrats on your retirement! Although I’m very, very happy for you, I can’t help but feel a little sad that WBFH won’t be the same anymore. I know for me, and many others, it was the very foundation of our broadcasting careers and so much of that had to do with you and the learning environment you created. Thank you so much for being so dedicated to a truly special experience-without it I (and again, so many others) would never be a part of this broadcasting world. I will always be grateful that you encouraged me to study broadcasting in college and that you put me in touch with a bunch of Syracuse alums--it really was the beginning of this wild television world that I’m now a part of. I’m sure you are flooded with many others sharing with you some of the same sentiments and because of that, your impact will live on in so many of us who first learned from you. Thanks again and congrats, enjoy retirement-you definitely deserve to! Marissa Boyajian
Having the opportunity to be involved with WBFH was absolutely a highlight of my time at Lahser. Loved getting a chance to put on "The Crock" and learn from you and Uncle Ron! Such great memories and experience that you made possible. I still crack up remembering Theodore Chen and some of the antics from "Mandarine Kitchen". Thank you Mr. Bowers - you are one of a kind! Jeff Bishop
Congratulations PB! You have definitely left a legacy to be proud of! Your years with Bloomfield and The Biff have influenced so many lives (including mine), and will never be forgotten! I still rave to my friends about my amazing radio teacher, and trust me there's much more where that came from! Hope retirement treats you well! Jaron Kirshenbaum
While looking back at my start in radio, none of it would have been possible had I not taken the Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting class in High School. Guy Cacciarelli and I were looking for a class to take together when Anthony D'Errico suggested we take FORBs. Pete Bowers was the instructor and the man most responsible for my passion in radio. He was goofy enough and witty enough (think David Letterman) to make things interesting enough, keeping the students engaged. Those experiences from 5 semesters in High School prepared me for a career in broadcasting. Pete encouraged us all to take chances and that's what I've done since I cracked open my first microphone. I'm still taking chances and will forever be grateful to Pete, who's legacy lives at WBFH at Bloomfield Hills High School and throughout the country with his countless success stories. Thanks for the bug, I hope to have it for a long time! Scott Anderson
“A mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires!” (William Arthur Ward). Thank you for being a GREAT teacher! You have definitely made a difference in the lives of our boys and we are forever grateful! All the best, The Fishmans (Jeremy’s parents)
Albert Einstein said, “I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” This quote seems most appropriate for you! You have opened your door and your heart to our kids, and then you allow them the “conditions” in which they strive to learn! Thank you for providing a safe and nurturing environment where our boys have felt free and confident to thrive! We are most grateful to you and we want you to know how very much we value the relationships you have formed with Cameron and Jeremy! The Billes’ and the Fishmans. (parents)
Congrats and thank you Pete Bowers! You helped make high school fun for so many of us! You inspired us and we are all so thankful for you. Karen Miller Morris
Happy retirement and thank you again for changing the lives of so many of your students from WBFH! Your impact will be felt for generations to come. And thanks for ALWAYS making us laugh!!!!! We all love you!!! Heather Catallo
I had the privilege to attend the retirement party of one of my high school teachers (mentor)... Pete Bowers. The guy responsible for creating my high school's radio station... WBFH 88.1 (The Biff) in Bloomfield Hills. I cannot even begin to tell you what a positive influence he had on his students. So much so that many entered the communications field. And, a number have become incredibly successful. I entered Michigan State as a telecommunications major and eventually switched to a more "reliable" field of accounting. That has been a big regret in my life. My passion was really communications. Mr. B instilled confidence in his students. In a school where pressure to excel filled the atmosphere, it was comforting to have a person and a place (the radio station) to be yourself. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a goof off situation. Mr. B basically structured the radio station as a business. You had to take the FORBs (Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting) class, earn your radio license, and subsequently "audition" by making a DJ tape to then earn your right to be on the air. There were different roles at the station. Operations manager, business manger, etc. You learned how to edit news copy, set-up and perform interviews as well as remote broadcasts. All very business-like. In addition, we learned how to give and care through the annual March of Dimes marathon. At the same time, you could turn to Mr. B and talk with him about anything. During my years there, he was the young hip guy. You'd go into his office...notice the Linda Ronstadt poster and feel he was just a regular guy. You felt at ease and knew he cared about all of his kids. The station was family. It taught us. It comforted us. It bonded us. And Mr. B was the caring "father." Wishing Pete, his wife (Claudia), and his sons all the best as he enters into the next "segment" of life. Enjoy retirement. You deserve it. Thank you for being a friend! Heather Monk Doran
Working for the community and looking out for students at both Andover and Lahser, Mr. Bowers is known as the caring teacher with a great personality. No matter how you are feeling, his smile and greeting puts you in a better mood. He won the Distinguished Service Award for the Bloomfield Hills School District and deserved to win the award. He offers his time to students to make them feel comfortable and has strong bonds with many students, especially the people in the WBFH Staff class. I have had the privilege of having Mr. Bowers as a teacher and have never had a teacher with such a passion for their students. He takes the time to get to know every one of his students and teaches them and provides opportunities they are not usually offered in other classes. Mr. Bowers is a vital contributor to the school district and he provides a positive look at how the community is viewed. Mr. Bowers deserves to be appreciated as a teacher because of all he has contributed. Jacqueline Shandler
Pete Bowers has been more than a teacher to his students, he has been a personal friend and role model. The thing that separates Mr. Bowers from other faculty is his desire to develop a close personal relationship with his students. He teaches radio staff at Andover and Exploring Electronic Media at both high schools. Even when the school hours are over, you can still find “PB”-which is what his students have come to call him-in the station’s studio working hard to keep the radio station running. Even after graduating students constantly return to see PB because he maintains a very close relationship with his former students. Mr. Bowers has a great sense of humor and at times seems like one of us. Every semester, we get closer and closer with him and by our senior year, it is hard to say goodbye. He is never afraid to step in and lend a helping hand whether it is on the radio or in the classroom and that is why he is our favorite teacher. Sean Shepard and Michael Blumenthal
Renee Abraham Letter (Diploma)
The following was a letter written to me by a former student named Renee Abraham who graduated from Lahser in 1979. She hand wrote it on parchment paper like a diploma. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received in my 41 years of teaching. I get choked up reading it because it makes everything worth it…and, sadly, Renee passed away in 1994.
“Dear Mr. Pete Bowers:
I hereby would like to issue you an honorary diploma of Thanks! This diploma actually covers a lot of ground. It speaks for the many times I’ve wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated the many things you’ve done this year. Before I leave, I just wanted to put into writing what I could not say as easily. First of all, I must inform you of one honest and simple fact. Out of all the activities I’ve participated in throughout my high school career, not one could compare to the WBFH Staff. Here is a list of things which brought me to my conclusion:
The experience I received in dealing with other people.
The opportunity to apply my own creative ability to projects I never believed I could do.
The room to make mistakes, and the chance to try again.
The learning of many things I will use in the future.
And last but most of all, the wonderful friends I’ve made through the station.
I could go on giving examples to each of these reasons for paragraphs. Yet you know as well as I do, the many events I was involved with this year. I would just like to thank you for giving me the chance that you have.
I’m sure it hasn’t been easy putting up with me in the past. I fully understand that on several occasions I: tried your patience, pushed you overboard, put you through the wringer and drove you up the wall. Now, I would just like to let you know I appreciate what you put up with. No matter what the confrontation was, you listened to me patiently and worked things out fairly. I know most of the time that wasn’t a very easy job to do. You know something? I think through our confrontations, I’ve learned to deal with problems a lot better. This is something I know I will have to do well in the future.
Even though I promised not to, I’m going to point out two very special occasions I will always remember about the station. Both were things you went out of your way to do for me. Each time I didn’t really know how to tell you how much I appreciated what you had done. The first time was during the marathon. Few people had faith in me being able to do the DJ show well. Because of this, I began to believe I could not do it myself. Yet the night of my show as tired as you were, you stayed throughout the whole shift. And just because you cared enough to see that I did a good job, I tried my hardest.
The second occasion happened recently as well. Every year in the middle of May, I receive a letter from the Youth Guidance Committee inviting me to an annual awards dinner. This year I received the usual letter to receive an award for tutoring. When I was called to receive my award and the speaker started reading off my accomplishments through the radio station, I was so honored. I can’t begin to tell you how important that was to me.
Well, now you have new students to face with new challenges in store. I hope that they can get from WBFH what I did. In one way, maybe I can repay you: I only discussed this with you briefly, but I plan to go into some type of communications field in the future. I just want to let you know you’ve inspired my plans by giving me the chance to try. No other teacher or faculty member ever throughout high school ever gave me the faith, encouragement or chances you did.
Thank you
Love
Renee”
Renee Abraham went on to Wayne State University after high school and worked on the campus radio station WAYN. She graduated from Wayne State in 1983 and worked at one time in the public relations department at WDIV Channel 4 TV in Detroit. She returned to Wayne State in 1990 and worked in the office of the Dean of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. After her death, the Renee Abraham-Harries Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Public Relations was established to honor her. I am honored to post her letter in her memory.
Renee in the WBFH studios with a vintage reel-to-reel recorder.
Renee at a WBFH party.
Part one of letter.
Part two of letter.
Written by Ron Wittebols.
Eternally grateful to Ron for writing this.
Ralph Martin, Conservatory Education Director/KVCB 100.9 FM Manager, Vacaville Christian Schools, Vacaville CA and Founder/Coordinator of the National High School Radio Network had this to say: “So far I haven’t had the honor of meeting Pete Bowers. His reputation is widely known and it represents some of what’s best about high school radio. It isn’t just in the great quality of his station, but in what I believe to be the single most important step spearheaded for high school radio—National High School Radio Day! Pete created a way for all stations to come together and discuss the challenges and successes that are common with all of our stations regardless of size or financial ability. High School Radio Day brought together radio stations in a non-competitive and supportive way—got us to talk—got us to be excited about what we do and how we’re the same in so many ways—as well as—how we’re different. I love what we’ve done with the National High School Radio Network—but that’s just one project. High School Radio Day is a celebration of all that is High School Radio.
Pete…I could never express the importance of the day you created for high school radio!! It was the first time I had ever thought that there was a vibrant community of excited radio teachers and advisers operating virtually alone before you brought them together. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to suggest that you may have saved several stations across America from going silent. We need you now more than ever to continue High School Radio Day. I really really really hope there’s another High School Radio Day this year! I can’t think of anything more important to our cause—can you?”