Young Amateur Radio Operator Makes 60 Contacts During W1AW/4 Special Event

FRANKLIN, TN — June 14, 2026 — While many teenagers spend their Sunday evenings playing video games or scrolling social media, 14-year-old Amateur Extra operator Micah, KB4MPS, was busy making contacts across the United States as part of the prW1AW/4 Special Event Station.


Operating alongside his Elmer and mentor, Hoop K9QJS, Micah helped log 60 contacts (QSOs)during a three-hour operating session from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM CDT in Franklin, Tennessee. The event brought together operators from across the country and highlighted the continuing importance of amateur radio in education, public service, and technical advancement.


Micah’s amateur radio journey began when he was just nine years old. Inspired by his grandfather, Phil WA6NER, who would bring a handheld radio during visits, Micah became fascinated by the hobby. That early interest turned into a lifelong passion when he earned his Technician Class license on October 6, 2022. He later upgraded to General Class on June 15, 2025, and achieved the highest amateur radio license level, Amateur Extra, on July 19, 2025 at the age of 13 years old.


Micah is also an active member of the Nashville Amateur Radio Club and Williamson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (WCARES), where he continues to learn about communications, public service, and emergency preparedness. He is also involved with Trail Life, teaching and inspiring the next generation about ham radio.


The W1AW/4 operation showcased not only the technical side of amateur radio but also the value of mentorship. With guidance from K9QJS, Micah gained valuable operating experience while contributing to a successful special event activation.


As the evening concluded, the team had successfully completed 60 contacts, adding another memorable chapter to Micah’s growing amateur radio career.


From his first handheld radio experience with his grandfather to operating a nationally recognized special event station Micah’s story demonstrates that amateur radio continues to inspire and educate the next generation of communicators.

 

Great job Micah and grandad!

 

I was online and listening last night... he was really there!

 

Awesome! Congrats Micah! Great job Hoop!

 

Thx yall I really enjoyed it! ARRL want me to do it again this week so if your interested ill keep u posted

 

Way to go Micah!!! Great way enjoy the hobby! 73

 

Hey Micah! Well done you. An inspiration to everyone! Yes, of course. Please keep us posted! Best 73 de Alan

 

This is AWESOME!!! Well done to Micah and Hoop!!!

 

just to let yall know i am going to be operating from now to 9 oclock CTC
look for me on 20,40, and 80

 

Wow! That's super impressive! Congrats Micah! You rocked it!

 

Wish we had your Caliber of young in Australia, to help this fabulous interest continue
for generations to come. Congatulations Micah! VK4NBX.

 

Good for him and glad to see more kids on the air. My daughter (an 11 year old general) and I operated W1AW/0 a few weeks ago as well. Over the weekend of operation, she netted 39 contacts on a POTA activation and another dozen or so (I don't have the count handy) on the last day of the event despite bad conditions (and what I'm discovering may be a broken antenna connection.) We'll be back at it in October.

 

Love to see it bro! I'm the same age as you and I got my General and I hope to do a special event like this myself sometime soon. I do POTA a lot and I love the hobby. 73 cant wait to hear back!

 

what's up man! good to hear from another teen! these events are very fun, look up the lewis and clark and the world cup event and try to get those, there a lot of fun!

 

I already got a few of the LCT and world cup stations, and of course sent out the QSL cards to each. Trying to get all of the world cup stations. Most of them have been ran on FT8 but I should aim for some voice contacts too.