— It’s been nearly 110 years since Guglielmo Marconi began the magic of radio — sending pulses of electricity through the air from a generating station to a receiver. In the years since, Marconi’s invention — and the scores of improvements upon it made by others — have spread into the far corners of the world and beyond. It’s brought news of triumphs, wars and tragedies into homes; it has connected businesses and spawned industries of its own. It has changed nearly everyones way of living, and most people don’t know exactly how it works.  But at St. Aloysius School here, a group of about 15 students is learning.

Under the direction of Buddy Sohl, an air traffic controller for 21 years and an amateur radio operator since 1979, the students have recently launched an amateur radio club at their school. They’re learning the science behind an invention that most of the world takes for granted. And if they successfully pass the necessary examinations, they’ll be granted their entry level, amateur radio technicians licenses.

On a rain soaked day last week, the students gathered with Sohl and the St. Aloysius teacher who helps sponsor the club — Hester Reinacker — in the school’s science room. Sohl had set up an amateur radio station, linked to the outside world through a simple, 20 foot antenna erected in the parking lot at the rear of Sohl's SUV.  The club’s activities — organized by Sohl through the Bullitt County Amateur Radio Society — are part of a nationwide program to spur interest in amateur radio among school-aged children. That program is called “The Big Project,” and it’s being organized throughout the country by ARRL — the American Radio Relay League. One of the leagues biggest supporters, Sohl said, is Joe Walsh, an amateur radio operator better known as a guitarist with the rock band, The Eagles.  “Thanks to him and ARRL, we have about $2,800 worth of equipment heading our way,” Sohl said.  At last week’s radio club session, Sohl’s enthusiasm for the world of “ham” radio was evident in his presentation to the 15 youngsters before him.  “Let me tell you something,” he said. “If you’re successful at this, you won’t believe the doors it will help open for you. I’ve talked (on the amateur radio bands) with movie stars and celebrities. I’ve talked with Walter Cronkite — he’s KB2GSD (his ham radio call sign). I’ve talked with the king of Jordan.”  And he’s contacted people in every state of the union on each of amateur radio’s six wavelength bands.  It’s an enthusiasm he came by as a child, Sohl said.  “I got started when I was six or seven,” he explained, “and that was in large part because of my great uncle, Charlie Elder. When all the commercial radio stations went off the air during the ‘37 flood, he operated his station and became the voice of Louisville.” He was also the fellow who taught Buddy Sohl about the intricacies and excitement — of operating a ham radio station. And now Sohl is passing that knowledge along to others, a process called “Elmering” among hams. “The truth is, this is a good thing to get to know,” he said. “There are times — during tornadoes or floods or other emergencies — when amateur radio is the only means of communication. It’s not just a hobby, and now with the emphasis on homeland security, it’s more valuable than ever.”

So he spent the rest of the hour-and-a-half session telling the students about Ohm’s law  —    voltage divided by current equals resistance. And about the difference in radio operating modes, about frequencies and bandwidths, megahertz and amperes.  Before the session ended, he brought several of the students to the microphone and radio he’d installed in the corner of the room. “CQ, CQ, CQ,” they called. “This is W4 Kilo, Bravo, Radio on 17 meters in Shepherdsville, Ky. CQ, CQ, CQ ...“

The club at St. Aloysius is the first Sohl has initiated as part of “The Big Project.” But he hopes it’s not the last.  “If any other schools out there are interested in getting a club like this off the ground, we’ll be glad to do it,” he said.