Seven St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School students and faculty sponsor J.R. Ankney traveled to New York City to attend the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Radio Conference on March 1–2. In addition to attending radio broadcasting workshops with industry professionals, the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee radio station WMTN, 93.1 & 103.1, also was nominated for 15 “best in the nation” awards.

In the annual award ceremony competing against vastly larger schools across the nation, WMTN emerged with a Best In the Nation Award in the “Best Foreign Language show” category. They beat Carmel High School with 5,400 students and New Albany High School with over 2,000 students.

The other nominations included Best Radio Drama, Best Documentary, Best Public Affairs Program, Best Morning Show, Best Spot News Interview, Best Show Promotional Poster, Best Website, Best Podcast, Best Station or Event Promo, Best Show Promo, Best Public Service Announcement, Best use of Sound Effects, Best Liner/Sweeper and Best Station ID.

Faculty Sponsor J.R. Ankney, who will be turning over the faculty sponsor job to faculty member Stephen Brehm next year, said, “I’m beyond thrilled to have been part of the meteoric rise of WMTN, and I am so proud of every student who has contributed to our successes over the past two years. I cannot wait to see where WMTN can go under Brehm’s capable leadership, and I am excited for the next chapter for the station.”

Headmaster Karl Sjolund had this to say about the successes of the radio team: “It’s always great when the students’ hard work pays off in such visible ways. SAS is a small school that does big things, and I couldn’t be more proud of the WMTN crew for everything they’ve accomplished this year.”

For more information about WMTN, the VOICE of the mountain visit <sasradio.org>, or tune us in at 93.1, & 103.1 on the FM dial.