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 Previous: Intervention by RSGB Wins Reprieve in UK Deregulation Spat |  Next: IARU-R1 Calls Attention to Language in European BPL Recommendation |
By Norm Fusaro,
W3IZ
ARRL Affiliated Club &
Mentor Program Manager
April 14, 2005
When James McDowell, KI4FZY, suggested that his science fair project be about Amateur Radio his science teacher was reluctant. It seems that his teachers were not aware of Amateur Radio and how it related to his studies. James was persistent and finally convinced them that his experiment, demonstrating the relationship between peak envelope power (PEP) and effective communications, would be a relevant project.
 James McDowell, KI4FZY, proudly displays his prize winning ham radio science project. |
His persistence paid off when he and his project were chosen to represent the school in The Augusta County / Staunton / Waynesboro Science Fair. James’ entry was one of approximately eighty entries in three categories at the science fair. While tending to his display James answered many questions about the project and about Amateur Radio. He spoke with the judges, visitors, retired engineers and members of the media.
The day wore on and eventually James heard the judges announce the winners. As prizes were awarded in the various categories James thought his chances at winning a prize were all but gone. Then he soon found out that the judges saved the best for last. “I was shocked when they called my name for Best in Show.” James said.
For his outstanding
achievement James was awarded with several prizes including a GPS
unit, a calculator and a large trophy that he proudly displays.
James brought the trophy back to his school to show everyone. He
received a lot of attention because this was the first time anyone
representing Stewart Middle School had taken Best in Show.
 James, KI4FZY, and his grandfather Norman, KA4EEN, listen for signals on the HF bands. |
James received his Amateur license in June 2004 after completing a 12 week license class taught by Gordon Batey, WA4FJC, Greg Czerniak, W4GRC and Richard Huttinger, AA4RH. James says the instructors were very thorough in presenting the material and helping him prepare for the exam.
Amateur Radio is not something new in James’ world. His grandfather is Norman Benner, KA4EEN. The two of them participate in a lot of ham radio activities together. James has assisted his grandfather and another friend, Edwin Showalter, KG4KUR, in net control activities on various traffic nets. James used his NCS experience when providing communications for a local charity event.
A student at Stewart Middle School, James is active in the Massanutten Amateur Radio Association located in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. James says that the club members have been very helpful to him. James other interest include archery, reading and surfing the internet.
James recently passed his element 1 CW exam. The time spent with his mentor, Elwood Shrader, KB4DJN, has paid off well. Elwood and James would spend an hour every Monday evening working on CW while James’ mother and Elwood’s wife chat about their common interest, quilting. James receives a lot of support in his ham radio pursuit.
James says that Amateur Radio has afforded him the opportunity to meet many interesting people and make new friends. He says “The only people that I have not made friends with are the ones I haven’t met yet.” A friendly and intelligent teenager, James McDowell, KI4FZY, has much to offer to Amateur Radio and his community.
| Previous: Intervention by RSGB Wins Reprieve in UK Deregulation Spat | Next: IARU-R1 Calls Attention to Language in European BPL Recommendation |
