WORTON — Broadcasting out of Kent County High School in Worton, 90.5 WKHS radio celebrated TuneFest, the station’s 50th anniversary, on Saturday, next door at Red Acres Hydroponics farm.
Station manager and Career and Technical Education Instructor Chris Singleton received gratitude as well as a golden microphone trophy as he recalled his start in 2008.
Singleton had a lot of people to thank, and made sure he got as many KCHS staff, programmers, students, and others as he could.
Going down the line, Singleton mentioned how each was instrumental in the journey to make WKHS the influence it is today — one of the most powerful high school stations in the country.
At 17,500 watts with flat terrain all around, their signal can be heard up to 60 miles in any direction.
Plaques were presented to outgoing Superintendent Karen Couch and former Station Managers Steve Kramarck, Rob Futterman, Karyn O’Brien, Ted Dively, June Fox, Keith Hill, Walt Barcus and the “godfather,” inaugural WKHS station manager Jim Hammond.
Hammond reflected. “The very first song we played, March 28, 1974, was “Rocket Man.” Part of that was when I was on the air, you never used your real name. I was ‘Captain Space’ because I played progressive rock.”
While they talked, food vendors served and in between the rainfall people jetted out to grab a carbonated beverage and some food then hurried back for the live music.
“It wouldn’t be a radio celebration without music, right. So we’ve assembled a great variety,” Singleton told the crowd.
Local talent.
Sombarkin’ played blues and some toe-tapping gospel. Justin Singleton and the Shorebillies performed soulful country-style songs with original lyrics. Philip Dutton and the Alligators rocked out Louisiana-style, and the Blake Thompson Band performed later that day with some classic rock/blues/folk music.
On the smaller stage, Maryland Delegate Jay Jacobs presented Singleton a citation of recognition.
The station also received a certificate of recognition in March from the Kent County Commissioners.
While the crowd mingled, Singleton’s junior students, the class of 2025, took the sound coming from the stage and broadcasted it out for those who couldn’t make it that day.
The “on-air” on the barn wall above the bands wasn’t just for decoration.
Singleton was appreciative of the community support.
“It’s pretty amazing. Everybody coming together from all walks of life today, celebrating for a common cause. We’re the only high school radio station in Maryland and still going strong.”
You can discover Singleton and his crew’s work on the radio dial at 90.5.
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