After Graduation

· Dwayne Kincaid, WD8OYG, started a local weekly on-the-air get-together for grads to improve their code. He runs a half hour of code practice, then anyone can talk about anything. Most of his students had receivers, but not transmitters. So Dwayne designed a one-watt crystal transmitter, had PC boards made, and the class built them. He had a few kits left--for information, write him at 1445 Parran Rd, Saint Leonard, MD, 20685.

· Richard Swabeck, N9HFM, says, "At the end of our course, we have a 'shack visit' for the students." Richard does equipment demos, on-the-air contacts, and reviews safety, grounding and good operating procedures.

· Here's a club newsletter article that instructors Bob Spencer, WA2GYY, and Joe Hoffman, KA2AXN, wrote to request that club members welcome class graduates to our hobby. You can write something similar to inform your club about your class.

"Welcom these fledglings to our flock! You'll find every one of this year's "crop," (count 'em--20) are fine additions to our hobby. Extend a personal greeting and you'll see what I mean. The caliber of our new recruits will be felt in the club and on the airwaves. Warmest regards to those amateurs who took time to help train the next generation of operators; bravo! I submit this list of outstanding graduates for the season. They will always remember the ones who made it possible! Cotgratulations to all!"

· Fred Wasielewski, WA2VJL, sent a copy of a news release that he gave to editors of local newspapers. In it he congratulated class graduates, and listed their names and home towns. He also included information on how to find out about the next scheduled course. (We suggest sending a photograph to improve the chances of the news release being run. Also, if you're authorized to award Continuing Education Units, include that information in the release--it might attract more new prospects for the class.)

And Finally. . .

When we send you information, we usually try to add a "thank you" to let you know that we appreciate the time you put in each week, teaching classes and introducing people to our great hobby. It may seem trite, but we do mean it. We know how long it takes to prepare for the class. You may have been teaching for years, but students vary from class to class and you have to try new techniques. Also, new aspects of the hobby are sometimes incorporated into the licenses, adding to your work in preparing for class. You've got to learn the new information, understand it and figure out how to get it across to others. You study how to make things easier for others to understand, how to show them the important parts. We know what it takes to go to class after class and be upbeat, be prepared, and sometimes still see some failure. We know; we've experienced it too, and we THANK YOU for helping our great hobby. We hope to be able to help you as much as possible.

73 -- from ARRL EAD.