This weekend marked the annual IBS Radio competition in New York City! However, our trip to NYC wasn’t just a getaway; it was an opportunity to show how WHJE is ready to bring a whole new wave of professionals into the radio field. IBS radio is an opportunity for our high school station to be represented on a much bigger stage. 

Day 1: February 19th

On February 19th, WHJE started their travel by plane to NYC early in the morning. Afterwards, we were tasked with navigating the big city, adventuring through subways, walking through the Times Square streets, and adjusting to the fast pace of the city. After getting settled, we toured some amazing spots, including The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Dinner at Stardust Diner, and exploring Times Square! Day one really let all of us take in the city and experience the history of why it’s such a special place.

Day 2: February 20th – Conference & Awards Night!

Day 2 was why we really were all here, the IBS Radio National Awards! WHJE staff participated in a day full of conferences, learning, and discussing niche topics surrounding the scope of radio. Many of us were able to meet some influential people on the radio and made real connections. 

After attending the conferences, WHJE prepared for the awards ceremony. WHJE prides itself on dressing up for this event and showing how we are confident in ourselves and respectful of the ceremony as a whole. This event truly recognizes students in radio and gives us a chance to celebrate our achievements as a station. Below are our announced winners!

On-Air Categories:

1. Best Talk Program : Anything But Average – Audrey Paskins 
2. Best Documentary : Marilyn Monroe – Leah McKay
3. Best Comedy Program : Ludicrously Improvised Vocal Entertainment Show – MJ Martell, Mia Adkins, Parsa Mahmoudi
4. Best Foreign Language Program : The Gujarati Show – Saryu Kabaria

Sports Categories: Best Play-By-Plays

1. Baseball/Softball : Carmel V Cathedral Softball – Gavin Snyder
2. Best Sports Pre/Post Game : Carmel v Lawrence Central – Cooper Sanders, Reilly Sweeney, Ben Kontarzhy

New Categories: 

1. Best Spot News : Swimming World Cup – Alex Cole 
2. Best Political News Coverage : Sweeney Political News – Reilly Sweeney
3. Best News Interview : Interview with Andrew Miller Editor IDS – MJ Martell

Marketing: 

1. Best Community Outreach Event : Riley Fundraiser / Tege Holt Concert – Chloe Jones
2. Best Logo : WHJE logo – Franklin Vrtis and Chloe Jones
3. Best Station Promotional Poster : Radiothon – Avaleigh Heldman
4. Best Show Promotional Poster : Sample City – Franklin Vrtis & Chloe Jones
5. Best Giveaway : Young Frankenstein Tickets Giveaway – Alex Cole, Ben Halbig, Nick Luther & Jack Cassidy

Web/On-Line:

1. Best Podcast : The Zed Files : Vampires – MJ Martell & Max Licht
2. Best Station Blog : WHJE Blog Posts – Avaleigh Heldman & Audrey Paskins & Will Engledow 
3. Best Social Media Campaign: WHJE Homecoming 25 – Avaleigh Heldman
4. Best Social Media Account : WHJE – Avaleigh Heldman and Audrey Paskins
5. Best Use of Video in Radio Studio : Road Trip To Trinity – Will Engledow

Management Awards: 

1. Best Social Media Director (Radio): Charlie Dein
2. Best Business Director : Chloe Jones & Alex Cole

IBS strives to highlight the value of student-led media, honoring stations that have genuine storytelling, skill, and a passion for broadcasting. These nominations reflect not just individual achievements but the collaborative effort that WHJE is known for. Congratulations to all of our 2026 IBS National Radio Winners!

After the ceremony, we ended the night with a fun time skating at Rockefeller Center.

Day 3: February 21st

Day 3 made WHJE feel like true tourists! Many of us saw amazing highlights of the city, including the MOMA, the NCAA Basketball Game, and a Broadway play (Hadestown & Aladdin). Together, we ended our night with an amazing skyline view at the Empire State Building. 

Day 4: February 22nd

Day 4 was supposed to be our final day in the Big Apple; however, the NY weather had other plans. Check out WHJE’s second blog, “WHJE IS STUCK IN NYC” for more information. 

What makes this trip special

This isn’t just a trip, it’s an opportunity. From exploring the most important highlights of NYC, building better friendships, and walking through a new space, this experience is about stepping out of your comfort zone and into something bigger. Thank you, NYC and IBS Radio Awards. Congratulations to all our winners!

Check out @whje_radio on Instagram and the rest of the website for more information on the NYC trip!