Student-run radio station celebrates 40 years

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette Jefferson High School student-run radio station, JEF 92, is commemorating 40 years on the air. JEF 92 alumni and members of the community were invited to an open house Saturday to take part in the celebration.

"For 40 years, WJEF was really quite unique, in terms of being a student-run radio station," said Lafayette School Corporation Superintendent Ed Eiler. "I think a number of students, whether they ever become broadcasters or whatever, have enjoyed the opportunity to be on the air, live, understands what it takes to put together a production."

"I don't think that the students I currently have really understand what they're involved in," said Randy Brist, Director of Radio and TV at Jefferson High School. "I think tonight they're getting a taste of what that really means, with all of these people coming back, and the lives that this has touched."

"One of the hardest parts of getting used to being a student at JEF 92 was talking live on the radio, all of those aspects of just being comfortable talking out loud in front of a group of people, be it over the air or in person. I think it really helps a lot of people open up with their personalities at a young age," said Scott Graves, Class of 1998.

"It was awesome working here at the station," said Colin Denhart, who graduated last year. "I loved every day, coming here. This was my favorite class to take. I think people just loved WJEF, because the music is great here at WJEF, and the whole idea that it's students running the station. And they're learning something about television and radio, and all this stuff that you can't usually get at any other high school."