Haverford High Radio Station Gets Big Gift

For today's generation of high school students Kal Rudman may not be a household name, but students at Haverford High School's WHHS Radio station will soon know it.

Rudman, who was inducted into The Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 1998 is presenting the station with a gift of $10,000.

For a high school radio station that is not only a big check, but it's also a very big deal.

The money will be used to help upgrade equipment and renew the station's FCC license.

The School District issued the following press release about the donation and the re-naming of the WHHS studio:

HAVERTOWN, PA - The Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation will present a timely  donation for new equipment to the Haverford High School student radio station, WHHS (99.9 FM) on Wednesday, February 20 at 1:00 pm at the WHHS Studio at Haverford High School.  Students will then name the WHHS Studio, The Kal and Lucille Rudman Studio.  Radio and music industry legend Kal Rudman and his wife Lucille will tour the studio and talk with students about their radio training experience.

Thanks to the donation, new equipment will be purchased which will strengthen WHHS’ bid to meet the requirements to renew its FCC license. One of the oldest running high school FM stations in the United States, WHHS has persevered when the number of high school radio stations has dropped to only 200 left across the nation.

“I consider a communications teaching program to be the same as any other vocational program,” said Mr. Rudman. “The ability to start at the high school level, including engineering, programming, and administration has enabled students at Haverford since the late 1940s to have a big edge in obtaining professional careers, both locally and around the United States.”

School District of Haverford Township Superintendent, Dr. William Keilbaugh commented, “Haverford High School has a rich tradition of Student Radio. For 64 years, WHHS has provided students the opportunity to gain skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to navigate and manage technology and content.  Mr. Rudman's generous donation comes at a perfect time as we start our FCC renewal process and contend with increasing budget constrictions.  The students, administration and alumni are grateful to Mr. Rudman for his generosity, and we look forward to many more years of Fords on the air.”