Primary Service Contour

WLTL(FM)
60 dBu ( 1 mv/m )
88.1 MHz, 180 Watts, DA
La Grange, Illinois
100 South Brainard Avenue (708) 482-WLTL (9585)
2003 population: 89,435
LaGrange, IL 60525 www.wltl.net

Prepared November 2003 by Mueller Broadcast Design, La Grange, Illinois.

Twenty-five years ago, I was a freshman...
Anticipation mixed with a cautiously friends – Eric Meyer ’96 and Chris Wagner
‘96, being two of them. These guys joined
optimistic trepidation of the unknown is
WLTL along with me where we met even
a common freshmen trait.
more people, Andrew Daly ‘96 being one of
I was no exception. My meticulously
them. With Singletary’s help, I was able to
blonde curls bounced as I roamed the
be a DJ assistant for Mark Ravinesi ’95 that
halls of LT’s South Campus diligently
first semester. I didn’t know beforehand, but
following my schedule. One of those
a neighborhood friend, Ben Jecmen ’95, was
classes, I’m pretty sure it was third period
on staff as well.
of that first semester, was Radio/TV Arts
That spring, I auditioned, earning a 3 to
with Singletary;
5 slot one weekday afternoon. I made sure
just reading her
to obtain my FCC and Engineering licens-
name alone, I
es so I could run my own show. By then,
knew I was in for
going to room 9 became part of my regular
something cool,
routine. From those afternoons, I met even
something fresh,
more people, namely the Program Director,
something that
Richard Praser ‘93, who would eventually
would shape who I would
introduce me to his brother, Mike Praser
become.
‘96. The two of us, like other members of
I couldn’t wait to meet new
the staff, would hang out and talk – always
people. I was one of those
while listening to music. For the final Friday
freshmen who graduated
of the 1992-93 school year, I filled in for Jim
from a junior high with a
Upchurch’s ‘93 senior slot. Mike had asked
class of close to 80 students.
Top: Eric if he could join me to DJ that night, which
Meyer and Now I was in a graduating
lead for the two of us, Mike and me, to start
Andrew class of close to 1,000; I needed to meet
Daly “going out.”
some of these people.
Needless to say, I was committed…to
Bottom: Little did I realize that over those
WLTL, that was. I auditioned for each of the
Chris Wag- weeks I would end up meeting dear
consecutive semesters, where I was graced

2 Opening
with a time slot: my sophomore year a 5
to 7 weekday, and junior and senior years
the Wednesday night from 7 to 10. Those
Wednesday nights featured the “Blue Revo-
lution” where I played music from the 1950’s
through the 1980’s, highlighting facts from
one year over these decades. For my senior
year, Mary Devona ’96 and Katy Kamp-
ton ’96 would join me Friday mornings for
“Temporary Insanity.”
But my work at WLTL was not during
these weekly broadcasts; I now had radio
back on my schedule, but this time Radio
Management, seventh period. For the 1994-
95 school year, I was the Public Relations
Director, and the Program Director for the
1995-96 year. Ending my day with WLTL
was the best part of LT. During those two
final years, this last period of the day provid-
Top: Jake Kosakowski ‘96 with Mike
ed much joy and relief. Those weekly man- Praser and me
agement meetings created a structure and Bottom: Mary Devona Stark and Katy
process for the entire board to collaborate in Kampton with me

making this station the best it could be. Col-

lectively, we had the foresight to make it the
station it is now, which has grown beyond
any of our expectations.

Happy 50th Anniversary, WLTL,

Kim Szczepaniak Praser ‘96

and now the memories remain intact.

Opening 3
Advisors
Advisors and Supervisors

Mr. Jack Wiesemes Mr. Dennis Strecker Mrs. Kate Singletary

1976-1992 1972-2002 1977-2005

Ms. Catherine Ott Johnson

1968-1972

Ms. Cynthia Adamson

Mr. Mike Baker
Mr. J. Alex Boyd
Mr. Steve Buda
Ms. Annemarie Jani
Mr. Ken Miller
Mr. Howard Pierce
Mr. Travis Skupien
Mr. Ron Detmer Mr. Chris Thomas Mr. Mike Strecker
1993-2005 2005-Present Mr. Chris Wagner
Mrs. Roberta Wiesemes

“There was true ownership of the station by all the
staff....everything ...that happened at WLTL...has
become a part of me...we know we are part of some-
thing unique and wonderful.”
-Jack Wiesemes
“Hundreds of different students have participated at
the station during those...years, and, of course, nu-
merous changes have occurred....being the adviser
has been a very rewarding experience.”
-Dennis Strecker
“WLTL has always been a great place to ‘hang out,’
‘hang around’ and to ‘hang on to.’ From our earliest
days, WLTL seemed the place to go when you had
nothing better to do after school or everything to
do to make a show or program deadline. The ener-
gy and enthusiasm in and around the studios have
provided enough wattage to keep us alive...”
-Kate Singletary

4 Opening
WLTL’s Many Looks

Opening 5
 1967-68 Staff

Speaking Out - Mondays 2:30-2:40 p.m., Tuesdays 5:15-5:25 p.m.

Spring 1969 Concert Stage - Mondays from 3:30-4 p.m.
Programs Man on the Street - Mondays 5 to 5:15 p.m.
Teacher Interview - Tuesdays 5-5:15 p.m.
Miss Flora Bloom with Janet Dubowski ‘69 - Wednesdays 3:30-4 p.m.
News Analysis with Larry Nooderbrook ‘69 - Wednesdays 5-5:15 p.m.
In and Around Town with Anne Bown ‘70 - Thursdays
Home basketball games with John Donlan ‘69, Dick McIntosh ‘69, Craig Schilling ‘69
- Fridays during the season 5 p.m.

6 1967-1968
We Now Begin Our
Broadcast
Day
Initially started as a wireless club in 1922,
sponsor Mr. Howard helped president Her-
bert Hoff ‘22 develop a new activity. The club
was around through the 1923-1924 school
year, and then was revived back in 1944.
During the revival, students were able to
broadcast from WTAQ-AM 1300 in Hodgk-
ins. In 1957, “LT On the Air” was a 15-min-
ute program of student written school news,
interviews and music by the radio-speech
class. Also, the club had an official ham radio
station, W9MTJ, in which students partici-
pated in world-wide communications using
Morse code.
The summer of 1966 brought about a new
idea. Wayne Terrell ‘68 and Terry Marsala
‘68 wanted to expand the club to an actual
radio station housed at the school. They
pitched their idea to Superintendent Donald
Reber. With Reber’s support, Robert Jones
was brought on as a consulting engineer to
aid in the process and development.
In October, 1967, WLTL was named,
but only after its first choice for call letters,
WLTS, was rejected. Over those months of
planning, students were brought on to help
build and wire the station located on the
fourth floor of the Vaughn Building.
On January 5, 1968, in the confines of a
tiny space, previously two music practice
studios, the ten-watt station of 88.3 FM’s
voice could be heard within a five mile
radius. Within those first weeks, WLTL was
broadcasting six days a week, four hours
a day to provide educational, informative
entertainment run under the guidance of Mr.
David Fisher.
By October 1, 1968, WLTL moved from
88.3 to 88.1 to accommodate WDGC’s need
for that frequency. In January, 1969, WLTL
premiered a new format, still keeping the
six days a week, but expanding hours to 3.5
hours during the week and 6.5 hours on the
weekends.
1968-69 Staff
1968-1969 7
 We Are
Live
More staff provided more opportunities for
live shows and broadcasts. This reduction in
prerecorded programming provided many
spots of on-air time for many students.
President Anne Bown ‘70 worked closely
with Sponsor Miss Catherine Ott in using
the additional staff to increase student inter-
est. In addition to the blues show and soul
hour, an experimental radio/TV class was
broadcasted to familiarize listeners to new
features.
Clark Weber, from WCFL, spoke to stu-
dents on December 11, 1969 about careers in
broadcasting. Senator Percy’s speech origi-
nally given at LT was aired as well.
When station manager Phil Hejtmanek ‘71
came on board, he worked on changing the
musical format from popular to progressive
rock.
On October 7, 1971, WLTL became an
affiliate of WIND-AM 560, of Westinghouse
Broadcast Company, Chicago. The station
was allowed to utilize news and speeches to
rebroadcast.

1969-70 Staff

1970-71 Staff

8 1969-1970
 Dave Kajor ‘71

Mike Held ‘71

1970-1971 9
 Above: Bill Miller ‘72
Right: Tom Donahue ‘73
Too Late to
Turn
W
back now
ith increased community support through
donations of records and tapes, station man-
ager Tom Chambers ‘72 continued helps his
staff produce a more professional sound.
The 1972 Election broadcast went from 7
p.m. to 3 a.m. with up-to-the-minute cover-
age of the local, station and national returns.
“Other radio stations, such as WBBM
News radio 78, have to break for commer-
cials and other news, while we can remain
on top of the election returns all night,”
Allan Loudel ‘73 said.
Coverage was provided by staff who were
in Chicago and Springfield. The Group W
10 1971-1972 Election ‘72 News Bureau in Washington,
D.C., part of WLTL’s affiliation with WIND-
AM, allowed the broadcast to extend its
reach.
Under program director James P. White,
‘73, WLTL changed format to include a
mixture of classical and rock. Still remaining
on air six days a week, WLTL’s hours were:
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday
and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In 1973, a new antenna was purchased with
the money given as a class gift to the school.
Once WLTL had FCC’s blessing to broadcast
from it, the listenership would help facilitate
new programs.
1971-72 Staff

1972-73 Staff

1972-1973 11
1973-74 Staff

12 1973-1974
1973-1974 Executive Board
John Brophy, Station Manager
Graham Hershman, News Director
Jim White, Chief Engineer
Greg Waas, Program Director
Dan Sweeney, Traffic Manager
1974-1975 Executive Board
Karen Helis, Station Manager
Dan Sweeney, Program Director
Mike Brophy, News Director
Donna Gabriel, Music Director
John Baker, Sports Director
Bill Sprague, Chief Engineer
Robin Schmuckal, Business Director
John Zajecka, Public Relations
RockMe Gently
A new antenna required WLTL to complete
several forms in order to receive approval
from the FCC to broadcast. Once permission
was granted, John Brophy ‘74, station man-
ager, revised the music format to rock only.
“We won’t be playing as much top 40 or
‘bubble gum’ as we used to. It’s going to be a
little heavier,” Brophy said.
Under the first female station manager,
1973-1974 Memorable Moments
“Mike Brophy was made Farm Director.”
-D.J. Strecker, Advisor
“They kept locking the record cabinet on
me, so I had the moldiest oldy show on
radio.”
-Margaret Garvey
“...during school time, it was hard to get
someone to spend their free time at the
station...students would...[repeat] verses of
Jethro Tull because the record was stuck
with no one to change it.”
-Jo Ann Prihoda
Karen Helis ‘75, the drive for quality pro-
gramming continued. Helis increased broad-
casts from new educational shows, contin-
uous information on weather and sports,
along with playing of rock and classical
music to fill the hours. All of which was done
in a newly refurbished studios of the Vaughn
building.
1974-1975 13
 Right: Don Shum ‘78
Below: Scott Vacek ‘77

Scott Huneryager ‘77

1975-76 Staff

14 1975-1976
 Quiet Summer
BoisterousSchool Year
The staff faced many challenges during the
1975-76 school year. Stemming from theft
of station owned records, which lead to the
dismissal of several staff members, to equip-
ment failure. The fifteen-year-old mixer
board forced management to suspend broad-
casting for almost two weeks.
These challenges lead to WLTL’s move
from the Vaughn building to North Cam-
pus, directly to room 9. The summer of 1976
marked a quiet few months as wire was
pulled to create a classroom for radio man-
agement along with studio space for produc-
tion.
By the start of the 1976-77 school year,
WLTL was back up and broadcasting. Stu-
dents were on the air every class period
during the school day, along with two-hour
shifts each night.
Dave Burns ‘78 worked with sponsor Mr.
John Wiesemes to play progressive rock,
with blues and jazz for variety, along with
community programs, editorial shows and
interviews all done now in a new home.
1976-77 Staff
A WLTL Memory
“When trying out for WLTL, I helped the
board operator take the needle off the
record, and he informed me that was the
on-air song. Next semester I was board
op-ing when a WLTL ‘hopeful’ helped me
out by taking the needle off the record.
And I turned to him saying that was the
record playing on the air.”
Mike Baker ‘79
1976-1977 15
Doug Schneider ‘79 Jim Sute ‘80
You Light Up My
Changes came full circle during the 1977-78
school year when two program directors,
Vince St. German ‘78 and Sandy Scheld ‘78
took the reins. Programming evolved into
a more cohesive, united staff that provided
regular newscasts and featured short spots
provided by the South Campus students.
The night shows, from 7 to 11 p.m., fea-
tured more progressive rock formats that
included “obscure artists as well as popular
ones” according to St. German.
Rick Rogala ‘78 worked with the news staff
to give regular news broadcasts.
By 1979, a new logo surfaced on tee shirts
and buttons to raise awareness of WLTL’s
16 1977-1978
Tim Mack ‘79
Radio
presence. This new look added to the new
ten watt exciter transmitter to improve the
sound.
Sponsor Mrs. Kathleen Morrison, focused
on improving the quality and productivity of
a staff as student remains with WLTL over
several years.
“Freshman and sophomores take Introduc-
tion to Broadcasting, where they find out if
they like working in radio. Juniors take radio
production, so they can gain experience
working in different aspects of radio produc-
tion. The purpose was to train students so
they could run a big radio station,” Morrison
said.
 1979 Homecoming
Parade

Sound Off Spotlight

Consumer Concerns Photo Tips
1978-79 Programs
Radio Magazine of the Air Concert Calendar
Monday Featured Artists WLTL Presents - Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
Let’s Get Jazzed with Jeff Rozner ‘79, Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
New Releases Experience with Sandy Scheld ‘79, Thursdays 7 to 9 p.m.
Radio’s Golden Age with Steve Darnall ‘79, Saturdays 9 to 11 a.m.
Classic Album Replay, Saturdays 11 to 1 p.m.

1977-78 Staff

1978-79 Staff

1978-1979 17
A WLTL
Memory

“My first ever interview of an

artist was Jim Peterik from
(at that time) Jim Peterik
Band, after Ides of March
and just as he was forming
Survivor. I was obviously a
young kid, thrilled he did an
interview with me. He invited me to his (then) home on S. Brainard. As a 1979-80 Staff
kid, I was fascinated; I was interviewing a rock star..at his house no less. He
couldn’t have been more gracious. I still have this interview on cassette.”
Victor Lentini ‘80
18 1979-1980
Biggest Part of
In December, 1979, FCC’s new regula-
tions challenged the wattage of WLTL.
If the station remained 10-watt, there
would be no protection of the 88.1 F.M.
frequency. A flurry of concern resulted in
quick action to boost the station by 100
to 200 watts. This new power would bring
fourth an expanded audience.
“We think we have the best high school
radio,” Mike Harrington ‘80, Public Ser-
vice Director said.
May 17, 1980 marked the Battle of the
Ages, a day filled with 14 teams compet-
ing in 10 events from a water balloon toss
to an obstacle course. The WLTL Rock-
ers joined in to benefit the Community
Extension Project.
To help increase the professional sound
quality, WLTL moved from mono to ste-
reo, starting with a new stereo board.
“We won’t be able to use the stereo
board in broadcasting until the increase
Us
[of wattage] is approved,” Kathie Roth
‘81 said.
Since the stereo board was in the pro-
duction room, the station now had the
capability to also record in stereo.
“We won’t have to retape when the
change goes through,” Dan Adams ‘81
said. “That will make the change to ste-
reo a smoother transition.”
1980-1981 Managers
Kate Roth ‘81, General Manager
Kimberly Hayes ‘81, Program Director
Dave Mast ‘81, News Director
Matt Seagal ‘81 and Roger Nozaki ‘81,
Chief Engineers
Barry Ezerski ‘81, Music Director
Steve Petrillo ‘81, Sports Director
Ray Murphy ‘81, Assistant Sports Director
Laurie Tawse ‘81, Publicity Director
Bob Schmidt ‘81, Public Service Director
1980-1981 19
 Eye
With over 90 staff members, Rock-a-Thon
kicked off its inaugural year with all funds for
a directional antenna to permit 200 watts.
“To raise money, we are going to...be on air
for 40 hours. We hope to get $500-$800,” Lau-
rie Tawse ‘82, General Manager, said.
Lion’s Roar, lead by Len Farell ‘82, Sports
Director, was able to expand this weekly sports
talk show.
“...We are going to try to do hockey and girls’
basketball games,” Farell said. “We are trying
to get more coverage for the lower level sports,
too.”
Music evolved as well to ensure new voices
provided new tunes for air time.
“We basically play album rock now. I’d say
we’re a cross between MET and XRT,” Palmer
Moody ‘82 said.
20 1981-1982
of the Lion
In 1984, progress continued with the station
broadcasting from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday
through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday,
and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays.
“WLTL is asserting itself not just as anoth-
er rock station, but as a radio station, which
provides more for the listener, such as ‘Per-
spective,’ ‘Mind’s Eye’ and broadcasting of LT’s
choir and sports events,” Phil LeBeau ‘84 said.
“Mind’s Eye” featured an hour long drama
from Thursdays, 9 to 10 pm from October
through April. English teachers supplied ideas
of titles to feature.
Starting in the Spring of 1983, “Radio Free
America” was broadcasted from Albuquerque,
New Mexico to feature foreign and domestic
bands. This bi-weekly show included inter-
views from up and coming artists as well.
 Rock-a-Thon 1983
January 28-30

Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday/Saturday, 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Phil LeBeau, Kathy Krenek Ben Massarella, Don Larberg Jim Palczynski, Darren Hacker

Friday, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday/Sunday, 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.

Chris Werner, Patti Kinn Ted Slowik, Karen Chapin Kent Coffland, Tom Reilly

1982 Houston High School Broadcasting Competition

Len Farrell, first place for radio newscast “Awards for Excellence” for Public Service
Laurie Tawse, third place for radio newscast Announcement
Terry Kinn, fourth place for radio feature Phil Schrock, Kent Kross, Bill Murdoch, Diane Nut-
er, Kent Coffland, Kim Mozdzierz
“Awards for Excellence” for Radio Feature
Terry Kinn, Laurie Tawse, Len Farrell, Diane Nuter,
Kent Coffland, Palmer Moody

“Awards for Excellence” for Radio News

Len Farrell, Laurie Tawse 1982-1983 21
WLTL Dance Party
Featuring Urban Guerillas
April 6, 1984 at The Fieldhouse Horrors, Inc - Halloween Special
Mystery Theatre
New Vinyl
Programs New Music Week - April 2-6
from 1983-1984 school year Rock-a-Thon - April 6-8, 40 hours, 8 time slots

Homecoming 1985

Take a Look at Us
Being 16 never looked better than on WLTL.
Alumni shows from Ted Slowick ‘83 and
Phil Schrock ‘83 with “Police Beat” and Mike
Nadolski ‘78 with “Something of Interest”
provided perspective on how the station has
changed over the years.
“We wanted to make people aware that we
have been apart of the school for 16 years,”
Chris Wagner ‘84 said.
These birthday programs allowed students,
former and the 78 staff members from the
1983-84 school year, time to reflect on the
growth and changes of this high school radio
station.
“The birthday program was a success,” Phil
Lebeau ‘84, General Manager, said, “due in
part, to the many people on staff who helped
22 1983-1984
Now
Tom Livingston ‘85 and me with productions
for the day.”
In time for the 1984-85 school year, the
power increase debate was resolved - WLTL
finally received permission to increase the
power to 180 watts.
“I’m very happy with the progress of the
station and our increase in power,” Mr. John
Wiesemes, sponsor, said. “And I’m relieved
that the power issue has been resolved after
six long years.”
In addition to the music variety of rock
with an emphasis on new music, more public
affairs programming was included.
“Our major goal is to obtain and keep
listeners with specialized programming di-
rected towards residents of the community,”
Nancy Nelson ‘85, General Manager said.
Rock-a-Thon 1985
March 8-10, 48 hours on air 1984-1985 23
 Rock-a-Thon
December 12-14, 1986
40 hours on air, $2,185.50 raised

Second Shift
Ken Jack, Steve Jasinski,
Allison Dye, Kathy Tyrrel

That's What
FriendsAre For
Now that equipment was in place and all
systems set to go, the staff pushed themselves
to continue with quality programming.
From freshmen Corral activities to offering
DJ services for dances to Holiday basketball
tournaments and show, the staff kept busy.
“With the increased wattage and new types
of music we got a lot of requests from sur-
rounding towns,” Ken Jack ‘87 said.
On May 2, 1987, several staff attended the
Argo High School Radio Conference.
24 1985-1986
 Fourth Shift
Steve Sprague, Kristen Sohacki,
Chris Quarello, Jana O’Brien

1986-87 Staff

Homecoming 1986
Paper Boom Box

1986-1987 25
Simply
Irresistible
Dedicated students were the core to
WLTL’s success as 88.1 FM broadcasted
quality programming throughout the
LaGrange and neighboring communi-
ties.
“I usually put in between 10 and 15
hours a week, before, during and after
school,” Karl Cordes ‘88 General Man-
ager said. “This time gave me chance
to work on something I really enjoyed
doing.”
Weekly specials expanded the variety
to include “Perspective Show,” and by
26 1987-1988
1989, the hour-long “Lion’s Roar.” In
November, 1988, “Lion’s Roar” featured
former DePaul University Varsity bas-
ketball coach, Ray Meyer.
Despite these new features, challeng-
es remained.
“The difference this year was the lack
Homecom
of people we had at the station,” Mr.
John Wiesemes said about the 1988-89
year. “The underclassmen who stepped
in were some of the hardest workers
I’ve had.”
ming 1988

1988-1989 27
 1989-90 Staff

Another Day in
Paradise
“One of the things I liked about WLTL is Sports Co-director said.
that any student could join, and right away, The 1990-91 staff kept up the rhythm now
have something important to do that affects with shows: “Theme Music,” “Pirate Radio,”
the station,” Cynthia Adamson ‘90, General “Faculty Towers,” “People, Topics and Issues.”
Manager said. “I like the feeling of broadcasting to an au-
Several of important things going on were dience and being on the air with my friends,”
the addition of more specialty shows, which Christa Soule ‘92 said.
included “Bug Radio,” “Sports Wednesday,”
“Heavy Metal Show.”
“I love the camaraderie, the fun, the work,
and of course, the music,” Pete Hanson ‘91

28 1989-1990
 Homecoming 1989

1990-91 Staff 1990-1991 29

1992-93 Staff

30 1991-1992
At Twenty-Five,
On Autodrive
“I believe high school students can do any-
thing, “Mrs. Kate Singletary, General Man-
ager said. “We do real radio, and don’t treat it
like a high school radio station, which makes
us build a more professional sound.”
Over these two school years, the number of
students and their level of enthusiasm made
the station so successful. From raising $4,000
during Rock-a-Thon for a new control
board, to organizing a reunion welcoming
back alumni from the past 25 years, students
came together to make WLTL be successful.
Now broadcasting daily, programming
grew. During the day, health programs such
as “Living Well” and an environmental show
aired.
Specialty shows took over the airwaves
from 7 to 10 p.m.: Monday, “WLTL Pres-
ents”; Tuesday, “All Rap Show” with Greg
Price ‘93; Wednesday, rock. Thursday, “Pro-
gressive Pop” with Eric Filson ‘94; Friday,
Dance; Saturday, “Radioactive”; Sunday,
Heavy Metal.
Filson, Music Director, said, “The majority
of our callers were not in the LT district, and
were between the ages of 17 and early 20’s.
My show consisted of progressive pop, with a
half hour of all industrial music. The pri-
mary goal of the show was to expose a style
of music that was not usually exposed on
commercial radio.”
1992-1993 31
Rock-a-thon
March 11, 12, 13, 14 1994
Miss WLTL
Eric Hoekstra ‘96

1993-94 Staff

32 1993-1994

The power of
“We have to do more than play the students’
favorite music,” Mrs. Kate Singletary, General
Manager said.
Students took this idea to heart by hosting WLTL
Rocks, two years in a row, with their battle of
the bands at the Corral. The first showcased five
bands: Tango Wedding Band, Winepress, Instant
Kafa, The Monsignors, This Side Up. The second
featured six local bands: Big Guppy, The Monsi-
gnors, Tango Wedding Band (winner), The Mad
Hatters, Ash and Euphoric Darkness on Saturday,
April 22, 1995.
To aid in the staff ’s use of technology, the station
was blessed with a fax machine, to which the sta-
Staff 1994-95
One
tion subscribed to a news service, and a computer,
to start cataloging all of the CDs and records.
In addition to expanding music selections,
WLTL continued to broadcast sports and public
service shows. In 1995, “An Evening with John
Young,” the new principal, was a success.
“I feel that the staff has a lot to offer,” Meg
Lauterbach ‘95, Program Director, said. “It’s very
talented. It has really grown and we’ve made a lot
of advances.”
These advances included corporate sponsorship,
in addition to support from local businesses. The
staff provided DJ services and scout tours as an
extension too. 1994-1995 33
 1996 Picnic

1995-96 Managers

1995-96 Staff

34 1995-1996
 A Festive new look
A new image was initiated by the 1995-96 managers,
lead by Andrew Daly ‘96, Promotions Director.
“Up until this year, we’ve had the same logo for 28
years. You saw it everywhere you went, and that was
cool, but it was time for a change and something
new,” Daly said.
The logo and ID tag of “Your first stop on the FM
Dial,” were not the only tasks this group took on.
Eric Meyer ‘96 developed his own broadcast net-
work, The Chicagoland High School Sports Radio
Network that branched out to WDGC and WNTH
that focused on Class AA boys’ baseball and basket-
ball.
The biggest task, being LT Fest, was a Battle of
the Bands meets a carnival, complete with various
games like: a dunk tank, bungee races, quarterback
toss, stuck-wall. The money earned from LT Fest did
not go back to WLTL, like Rock-a-Thon does; this one
went towards the revival of the Corral.
In November, 1996, WLTL broadcasted President
Clinton’s speech at Homewood Flossmoor High
School.
“Our remote equipment failed, so we broadcasted
the speech by taking somebody’s cell phone and hold-
ing it against a loudspeaker,” Sean Leidigh ‘97 said.
Naturally, additions were made to increase commu-
nity programs, but the most significant event occurred
with the FCC to re-license WLTL for 7 more years.
1996-1997 35
 1998 Picnic

1999 Picnic

1997-98 Managers 1999 IBS in New York City

Rock-a-Thon 1999

36 1997-1998

Welcome Home,
W LTL was honored with the
1997 Marconi College Radio
Award for outstanding commu-
nity service programming. The
tape submitted featured: “People,
Topics, and Issues,” “Wednesday
Night Live,” coverage of President
Bill Clinton’s education address
at Homewood-Flossmoor High
1999 Homecoming
Marconi
School and broadcast of the State
Class AA boys’ basketball cham-
pionship games.
The 30th Anniversary was cele-
brated with a party on March 21, vation of room 9, as the station expanded
at North Beach over sand volley- into the former LT-TV station area.
ball, cosmic bowling and other
games.
1999, marked a complete reno-
1998-1999 37
The Awards
In August, 2000, WLTL was named
a National Finalist for the Silver Mi-
crophone Awards. “The Best of the
Bill and Buda Show” highlighted the
talk show by Steven Buda ‘00 and Bill
Marco ‘00. “The Zap Wilkins Show,”
an original Science Fiction adventure
series, created by Joe Scapellato ‘01 and
Derek Dziak ‘01 was considered too.
The station was also honored with
four national Communicator Awards.
Keep Comin' In
Now to a new studio
The Crystal Award for Excellence in
Writing and Humor went to “Richard
Helmut, Detective for Hire,” written by
Scapellato and produced by Dziak. The
Award of Distinction for Writing and
Humor was given to “The Zap Wilkins
Show.”

2000 Homecoming

38 1999-2000

2000-2001 Managers
Andrew Roddewig, Program Director
Travis Grossi, Promotions Director
Derek Dziak, Music Director
Eric Dusik, Assistant Music Director
Jason Rodriquez, Sports Director
Andrew Topps, Assistant Sports Director
Colleen Haney, Community Service Director
Drew Joyner, Engineering Director
Dan Goodsitt, Assistant Chief Engineer
Lisa Kazmierczak, Personnel Director
Kim Maresh, Special Events Director
Andy Anderson, Production Room Manager
Danielle Denkmann, Assistant Program Director
Joe Scapellato, Creative Arts Director
Bryan Haas, Technology Director
Aaron Hultgren ‘00, Assistant Sports Director
Renovation Overview
$60,000 district allocation
$10,000 raised from alumni and student fundrais-
ing, like Rock-a-Thon
-Two new production rooms
-A reception area
-State-of-the-art control rooms
-Professional CD players
-Loop feature for continuous playback
-A repaired delay system
2000-2001 39
WLTL Echos
Everywhere
2001-2002 Managers
Colleen Haney, Program Director
Danielle Denkmann, Business Director
Andy Anderson, Danielle Denkmann, Music Directors
Zack Heydorn, Assistant Music Director
Lisa Kazmierczak, Public Rleations Director
Andrew Topps, Sports Director
Kevin Sporleder, Assistant Sports Director
Mark Joyner, Chief Engineer
Jim Blessman, Assistant Chief Engineer
Kate Price, Promotions Director
Mike Pesch, Special Events Director
Courey Gruszauskas, Creative Arts Director
Ryan McGuire, Community Service Director
Dan Goodsitt, Dance Director
Mario Scapellato, Production Room Manager
Andrea Dres, Personnel Director
40 2001-2002
2002-2003 Managers
Mark Joyner, Program Director
Kate Price, Business Manager
Zack Heydorn, Music Directors
Ryan Perri, Assistant Music Director
Ryan McGuire, Production Coordinator
Andrea Dres, Public Rleations Director
Danielle Green, Chief Engineer
Chuck Martin, Assistant Chief Engineer
Claire Markham, Community Service Director
Pat McNulty, News Director
Joanna Novak, Creative Arts Director
Eric Anderson, Sports Director
Matt Hendrickson, Promotions Director
Jennifer Mann, Special Events Director
Melissa Marks, Personnel Director
Kate Price, Radio Echo Director
Radio Echo
Radio Echo
The John Drury High School
Radio Awards
April 20, 2002
North Central College

“L.T. News Report” - Best Newscast

“Lions Baseball” - Best Sports Play-by-Play
“Is Our School Safe?” - Best Public Affairs
Program

Rock-a-Thon 2002
March 15-18

2002 Picnic

2002-2003 41
 Pieces of
WLTL: Station of the Year
First Awarded: 2005
Awarded Again: 2006, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2012, 2015
Matt Henderickson ‘04
Pat Phillips ‘04
42 2003-2004
Us
WLTL Wins John Drury High
School Station of the Year Award
The John Drury Awards are a national com-
petition for high school radio students. The
Drury categories include Best Newscast, Best
Promotional Announcement, Best Sports
Play-by-Play, and Best Public Service An-
nouncement. The awards were formerly held
each May annually, but are now presented
every November. The awards luncheon and
ceremony is hosted by North Central College
in Naperville, Illinois. The awards began as
a small enterprise, but have grown each year
with entries from stations in Michigan, Con-
necticut, Illinois, Tennessee, Iowa, and more.
They are named in memory of John Drury,
a television news anchorman from Chicago,
IL. Information provided by Revolvy.com
2003-04 Staff
2004-2005 43
 2005-06 Staff

44 2005-2006
Owen O’Riordan ‘07 Andrew Kouba ‘07

Check On It
2006-07 Staff

2006-2007 45
 Center: Andy Boyd ‘09,
Danny Galin ‘10
Right: Katie Burns ‘10

Marty McAndrews ‘08

2007-08 Staff

Katie Burns ‘10

46 2007-2008
 Above: John Spataro ‘09
Top: Ben Kabialis ‘09

Robert Montgomery ‘08 Michael Dorris ‘09

Don’t
Stop
the music
2008-2009 47
 2009-10
Managers

Cassandra Negron ‘10,

Gracy Penney ‘10 Tom Moran ‘11, Matt Callaghan ‘10 Gina Garcia ‘11

Claire Winegar ‘11, Thomas Moran ‘11

48 2009-2010
 2009-10
Staff

The DJ
Thomas Riordan ‘11

Got Us...
WLTL by the numbers
for 2009-2010
-Made over $16,000 during 2009 Rock-a-Thon
-2,774 songs stored on the on-air computer
-180 watts of power
-115 foot antenna on top of the Vaughn Building
-Over 100 students tried out to be on-air talent
-Approximately 100 jingles
-65 members for the on-air staff
-24 hours of brodcasting
-19 managers
-10 to 15 new songs downloaded each week
-10 mile broadcast radius
-6 microphones

All To make the #1 high

Spencer Moore ‘10 school radio station in
the nation
2010-2011 49
 WLTL is Big Winner in
2012 John Drury High School Radio
On November 10, 2012, the annu- also five other 1st place awards as
al John Drury High School Radio well as seven awards total for 2nd
Awards were presented to young and 3rd place in various categories.
student broadcasters. The big win- This is the 5th time that the 45-year-
ner this year was WLTL 88.1 FM old WLTL has won Best Radio
from Lyons Township High School Station in the John Drury Awards.
in LaGrange, Illinois, which won
not only Best Radio Station, but Information by Jennifer Walts, Radio Sur-
vivor

2011-12
Managers

2011-12
Staff

50 2011-2012
Turn Upthe Music

Jonathan Janas ‘14 Joe Lendabarker ‘14

Brendan Dzqeirsynski ‘13

2012-2013 51
Turn Down
for What
A 2013-14 Experience

Staff were able to visit Solider Field for the Stadium Series
game for the Chicago Blackhawks. They were able to attend
practice, view the game from the press box and attend a
post-game press conference

A Rock-a-Thon 2015 Experience

Connor Wiegmann ‘15, Operations Manager,

had a slushy of snow poured down his pants
followed by a wedgie.

The staff earned over $31,000

“I really loved the friendships that came out of

WLTL.” - Karl Krull ‘14, News Director

“WLTL has taught me life lessons and helped

me set my sights on a career path for the future.”
- Jonathan Janas ‘14

“[Rock-a-Thon is] the one time of the year where

everyone at the station comes together to make
their impact on the station by fundraising. It’s al-
ways a blast to get all the guys together and just do
insanely stupid things.” -Connor Wiegmann ‘15

Above: Emma Dziura ‘17

Right: Nikia Lenef ‘14

52 2013-2014
Talya Nelson ‘16

Above: Dirk Molek ‘16

Second: Lucas Huneryager ‘17
Third: Daniel Rocco ‘14
Top: Kara Lane ‘14

2014-2015 53
Hunter Pendleton ‘17 Michael Ahrens ‘18

Talya Nelson ‘16 Matthew Bonistalli ‘16 Cormac Most ‘18

54 2015-2016
My House
IBS Conference Awards for 2017 “My favorite part of WLTL is the home away
from home aspect. It’s really nice to know
Most Creative Show that there’s somewhere in the school that I
Best Logo can feel one-hundred percent comfortable.”
Best Station Promotional Poster -Sarah Brunet ‘16, Operations Director
Best Giveaway Item
Best On-Air Schedule “It’s nice and refreshing to be in a class where
Best Playlist you are treated as professionals by your teach-
Best Facilities er. We all have a definite say in the operations
Best Website of the station and you really feel like you’re
Best Instagram making something and doing something
Best Phone App significant with your high school career.”
-Talya Nelson ‘16
Best Social Media Director: Emma Hawkins ‘17
Best Engineer: William Murdoch ‘17

2015-16 Managers

2016-2017 55
 SayYou Won’t Let Go
Rock-a-Thon 2018
Rock-a-Thon is a entertaining, unique 88-hour non-stop broadcast scheduled for
February 16 at 5 a.m. to the 19 at 9 p.m, and is being simulcasted on LTTV and
The Cube. The staff raised over $20,000.

56 2017-2018
WLTL Random Chatter Podcasts

“Anyone in the LaGrange Park area wanna hang out with “Storm the Court” with Dylan, Griffin
me in a Subway for an hour?” -Pat Catezone and Patrick
“You’re Wrong”
“Alex eats only Eastern Eurpoean gruel.” -Mikaela Larson “Medium Rare” - A WLTL Comedy
“Black Shirt” - A WLTL Radio Drama,
“Bees are like faries.” -Michael Ahrens Aired December 2017

“I can fit things in my collar bones.” -Jessie Nutter

“I was distracted by sound.” -Will Lipchick

“Why is this thing excreting juice?” -Mac Most

“I will stand with milk 100% of the time.” -Pat Catezone

As of 2/25/18

2017-18 Managers

Michael Ahrens, Operations Manager

Mac Most, Program Director
Desa Bolger, Elizabeth Brunet, Assistant Program Directors
Mikeala Larson, Marketing Director
Mia Bernson, Riley Egan, Madison Waliewski, Program Coordinators
Patrick Catezone, Sports Director
Luke Cunningham, Production Director
Abby Olszanowksi, Imaging Director
Emily Bittman, Will Lipchick, Music Director
Alexander Kuptel, Video Director
Jessie Nutter, Chief Engineer

WLTL Radio @wltl881

Jan 5

“We got so excited about cake we forgot

to take a photo before we cut it... anyway
today is our 50th birthday! Most people
dread this day but we couldn’t be happier!
Thank you to everyone past, present, and
future who have done something to make
WLTL what it is! #est1968”

2017-18 57
IN Memoriam

Gary Schultz ‘70 Joe Silvio ‘74 Jim White ‘74

Chief Engineer DJ Chief Engineer

Doreen Duncan ‘86 John Vlna ‘86 Joel Rothschild ‘91

DJ Assistant, News Reporter DJ Music Director

58 In Memoriam
 Jess Rufa ‘95 Derek Dziak ‘01
Music Director Music Director

Jim White
WLTL
WLUP
WMET
WNUA Bet you are tweaking the sound
WFMT...and many more system to be heavenily
frequencies in between.
You are missed in so many ways

In Memoriam 59
From WLTLTo Pro

Mike Murphy ‘69 Phil Jejtamek ‘71 Allan Loudell ‘73

ESPN Radio 1000 CBS 2 Chicago, WXPR 101.7 FM WDEL
WMVP-Chicago

Joann Phihoda-Reece ‘74 Ted Slowik ‘78 Mike Baker ‘79

WGN-TV Channel 9 Daily Southtown/ WJJG-AM, WCCQ-FM,
Chicago Tribune WFYR-FM

Doug Schneider ‘79 Steve Darnell ‘80 Victor Lentini ‘80

Green Bay Press-Gazette, 90.9 WDCB, Nostalga Digest Hollywood Records
Gannett Wisconsin Media

60 Professionals
 Bill Murdoch ‘83 Karen Chapin ‘84 Phil LeBeau ‘84
720 WGN Radio IHeart Radio Chicago CNBC News

Chris Werner ‘84 Rick Blum ‘86 Jen Christensen ‘90

Chicago Blackhawks WISC-TV Madison CNN

Dave Juday ‘90 Tyler Moody ‘91 Brendan Greeley ‘96

88.7 The Pulse, Turner Broadcasting 89 WLS Chicago
ESPN Radio Chicago Podcast Network

Jessica Weber ‘96 Ryan Arnold ‘97

Co-Sign Collective 93 XRT Professionals 61
From WLTLTo Pro

Sean Leidigh ‘97 Steve Buda ‘00 Andrea Dres ‘03

WGN Television Sunny 101.5 FM, WCHX-FM WLS-TV /ABC 7 Chicago

David Gulik ‘05 Ryan Perri ‘05 Nicholas Reczynski ‘05

Jingle Punks Music NBC 5 Chicago, WDJT-TV, Warner Brothers
KFOR-TV Entertainment

Emma McElherne ‘07 Mike Dorris ‘09 John Spataro ‘09

93 WXRT WLEY-FM 107.9 Chicago Illinois News Network

62 Professionals
 Stuart Prentice ‘10 Elif Geris ‘11 Jacob Alderman ‘12
NBC Universal Television 720 WGN Chicago The Telos Alliance
Group

Lise Graham ‘12 Evan Boyd ‘13 Brendan Dzwiersynski ‘13

720 AM WGN ESPN AM 580 WIBW

Camille Suknovich ‘13 Collin Thomas ‘13

WGN Radio 720 Public Media Engineering

“Broadcasting is definitely in my
cards for the future, and I’m
determined to work hard at it -
to perfect it and create my style
and niche.” Apolo Ohno
Professionals 63
Throughout our collective
years at WLTL we all...
made friends,
exchanged smiles,
built memories,
contributed our voices,
shared laughs,
reached out to the community,
expanded the station.

But while we all did our

best for WLTL...
WLTL did her best for us.
We each seized our time to uncover
our true callings.
This understanding of who we are as
individuals contriubted to our identies
as a mangerment team,
as a staff,
as a generation
for us to continue growing outside
the station knowing, on the inside,
we contributed to a major organization.

Happy 50th Birthday, WLTL

Special thanks to Mike Baker,
Mike Praser, Kate Singletary, Researched, writtten, designed
Dennis Strecker by Kim Praser