By Jesse Levinson ’17

Members of “Wrecker Radio,” WWPT, will look to continue their history of paramount success this year at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Awards in New York City on March 4.

IBS recognizes the top radio personalities from high schools across the United States. Students earn awards for best sports play-by-play, best political news coverage and best comedy program.

Staples is well represented among the list of nominations. Cooper Boardman ’17, who is nominated for 13 awards, and Jack Caldwell ’18, who is nominated for three awards, will be in attendance at the award ceremony.  “I think when they came back we were all pretty stunned to just how many nominations there were — it’s surreal,” Boardman said.

When asked about the success of Boardman, his fellow co-head of WWPT and future classmate at the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, Jacob Bonn ’17, said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he came home with 13 trophies. He’s just a great host to listen to and work with.”

Bonn was among the group of WWPT members who traveled to Chicago  last year for the John Drury High School Radio Awards—an event similar to IBS in that it recognizes the top high school radio programs and personalities in the nation.

Students who  had the opportunity of attending the  event not only enjoyed a strict diet of deep-dish pizza, but also witnessed the  crowning  of  WWPT  as the number two high school radio station in the country. Additionally, Zach Edelman ’17, Boardman and Adam Kaplan ’16 received the award for best sports play-by-play.

“Going to Chicago was a great experience,” Edelman said. “I’m looking forward to potentially returning again this year and moving up to that number one spot.”

Nominees for the Drury Awards will be announced on March 7, and the ceremony will take place on May 6.

Despite the growing excitement for the awards-to-come, WWPT members can still be found in the radio production room after hours, methodically planning the club’s coverage for the upcoming week.

“I think it’s important to recognize that these students come week after week, month after month, and do this for no credit other than their own love for radio,” Geno Heiter, radio production teacher, said.

Whether it be talk shows or sporting events, WWPT members don’t seem to miss a beat, and their audience appreciates it.

“Any time I can’t make it to a game, I always turn on the radio,” Hannah Roseme ’18 said. “They’re honestly the best.”