[InHam] Outstanding ham honored

[Jack Parker]

For Immediate Release 11-19-05

2005 IRCC OUTSTANDING AMATEUR OF THE YEAR 

Jim Edwards, KA9DIF 

It's with great pleasure the Indiana Radio Club Council presents the 2005 OUTSTANDING AMATEUR OF THE YEAR award to Jim Edwards, KA9DIF. 

Jim has been active in amateur radio for over two decades. He continues to lend his expertise as a volunteer examiner to the Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association.

Jim is the director of the Ryves Hall Youth Center, a facility for underprivileged children, here in Terre Haute. Since becoming director in 1982, Jim has been a positive role model to countless children in the Terre Haute area. Amateur Radio is an important part of the his life and that of his family. Three members of his family are licensed as well. 

Our outstanding amateur of the year is always ready at a moment's notice to aid local Amateur Radio projects. Earlier this year, on short notice, he stepped in and offered his facility for the local ham radio Tailgate swap meet.. 

Over the years, Jim Edwards has demonstrated a dedication and passion for bringing Amateur Radio to underprivileged kids. Under his direction, his school has developed a thriving Amateur Radio program. 

With the help of a few others, his school has expanded it's curriculum beyond the classroom by holding regularly scheduled Technician classes. Those extracurricular classes have lead to Amateur Radio licenses for many under privileged youths and some of their parents as well.
His ability to discover and take advantage of various grants and donations has provided funds to build a complete Amateur Radio station at his educational facility covering 2 meters, 70 centimeters and HF. Jim has also organized a school Amateur Radio Club, with the call sign KC9EKW (every kid wins).

With such a distinguished background it's easy to see why not only the kids win, but his community and amateur radio as well. 

Six nominees from around the state were also honored. They include Kevin Berlen-K9HX, Clay City, Ernest Clark KB9SKI, Greenwood, Ed Conder N9IZN, Camby, Peter Crasher W9DRB, Chrisney, Robert Griggs W9MKA, New Castle and Carl Zager KB9RVB, Bloomington. 

For more info contact Jack Parker W8ISH, jparker at iquest.net or 317-881-0817