WORTON — The radio station at Kent County High School recently celebrated 48 years on the air with a 48-hour marathon broadcast and membership drive.

The air-a-thon kicked off at 9 a.m. Friday, March 25 and ran through 9 a.m. Sunday, March 26. At 9 a.m. Monday, March 28, the students and staff at the station officially celebrated 48 years of broadcasting with an anniversary show.

"I'm very thankful to the community and the Kent County Board of Education for the support enabling us to still be on the air and going strong for 48 years," said Chris Singleton, the WKHS station manager since 2008.

WKHS is part of the Career and Technology Education program at Kent County High School. Students in 10th through 12th grade can enroll in the broadcasting program and operate the station throughout the school day. 

For the air-a-thon, students and community volunteers signed up to DJ, taking shifts lasting from two to four hours throughout the entire 48 hours. 

Some offered freeform playlists and others dove deep into selected genres, from jazz to classic rock, from country to metal.

Listeners could pledge donations or sign up as members.

"Along with the support received from our community business sponsors, membership drives help sustain the station and let our broadcasting students know how much they and WKHS are appreciated," said Ken Collins, the fund manager at WKHS.

The anniversary celebration was capped off with a lunch March 28 provided by Acme and Redner's Markets.

"Our goal will continue to be the achievement of financial sustainment and to provide the students with the essential life skills beyond high school as we continue to connect communities through radio excellence. Together, we can accomplish that goal," Singleton said.

Visit wkhsradio.org to learn more about the radio station at Kent County High School.