Amateur Radio Newsline is seeking minors who have used amateur radio to help society.

[view:node_ad=5]Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is often considered a hobby, but can also be used as a valuable source of information during a crisis.  The Amateur Radio Newsline is looking to award the Young Ham of the Year Award to an individual who has used ham radio in that precise way.

The nominee must be 18 years or younger, and reside in the United States (including Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Puerto Rico).  The individual must also hold a FCC license.  Each candidate is evaluated based on their contribution to society through amateur radio.  Last year’s winner, 17 year-old Grant H. Morine, was chosen because of his commitment to ham radio, along with his public work and promotion of amateur radio through the Boy Scouts of America.  

Consequently, Morine was flown to Huntsville, Alabama for the Huntsville Hamfest, in which he was given ham radio equipment, various books and magazines, and attended an all-expense-paid week at Spacecamp.   

But, Amateur Radio Newsline’s Bill Pasternak said that the prizes the recipient receives are merely icing on the cake.  “This award is not a contest for a prize.  Any prizes given are secondary in nature.  A person selected as ‘Young Ham of the Year’ is judged on his or her contributions to society through Amateur Radio.  For example, a youngster whose only claim to fame is that of being licensed as an extra at 4 years old would not necessarily be judge as having made a significant contribution to the Amateur Radio Service.  On the other hand, a 14 year-old Novice or Technician running a Net during a major disaster or crisis would definitely be given consideration.”  

To obtain an application, send a self addressed, stamped envelope to 2008 Young Ham of the Year Award c/o Newsline, 28197 Robin Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91350, or download a form, by clicking here. 

The deadline for submitting an application is May 30th 2008.  

For more information, click here.