[HCRA] Congratulations to the Class of 2003!

[Jim Mullen]

I'd like to take a moment to inform the list of the accomplishments of the
"Class of 2003" that just graduated yesterday evening. Over a dozen new
amateurs have joined our ranks and 'hopefully' will be on the air soon
enjoying their new hobby.

Just a little bit of history; this is the class that started about ten weeks
ago in Chicopee, MA. All the students showed up in a snowstorm for the first
class and stuck with it for the duration. Their dedication to studying was
certainly tested by the weather, the opening day snowstorm was just a
portent of things to come, including a one night cancellation and even snow
& ice on the last class at the beginning of April.

But they did just fine with the majority of the class passing their
Technician exam with flying colors Monday evening. A few even took and
passed the General written! It won't be long now until they receive their
license and are able to get on the air.

That's where HCRA can again step in and help. Although we (with a lot of
guidance from Peter, KI1I) organized the class our responsibilities didn't
stop when they passed their exams. Now it's up to us to offer help and
advice so everyone that desires can learn to enjoy their new hobby. I'm sure
if we think back we can remember how 'difficult' it was to figure out what
equipment to buy, how to put up an antenna and most of all the fear of that
'first contact'! Almost everyone of us had an 'elmer' that helped us through
those first big steps and I feel it's incumbent on HCRA members to both be
aware of the new group coming on board and be ready to help when necessary.
Isn't that why we sponsored the class in the first place?

These are great accomplishments this group made and their success certainly
is because of their hard work. Also part of this was the outstanding effort
of all the instructors (there were a lot!); the planning and organization of
the class by Peter, KI1I; Jim, WB1Z finding a handy place (and inexpensive
too!) to hold the class; Norm, W1BMK gathering a list of students at the
Big-E --- the list goes on and on. Thanks to each and everyone of you (and
yes, to those whose names I have not mentioned) for a job well done. The
smiling faces Monday evening was most assuredly your reward for a job well
done.

And as always, thanks to all the members of HCRA that are so supportive of
our clubs activities. We can all be proud of a job well done!

'73...

Jim, KK1W