Chisum High School’s Gifted and Talented (GT) Program welcomed two distinguished alumni, Keith Cullum and Matt Patterson, for an engaging presentation on the world of amateur radio.
Cullum and Patterson shared their personal journeys into ham radio, explaining how they were first introduced to the hobby and how it developed into a lasting passion for amateur radio communication and Morse code. Their presentation gave students insight into both the technical and historical aspects of the field, as well as the opportunities it can create for lifelong learning and connection.
A highlight of the visit came when Patterson successfully established a live radio contact with a transmitter located in Florida, offering students a real-time demonstration of amateur radio capabilities in action.
Both speakers are graduates of Chisum High School and reflected on their early experiences in Mr. Allen Williams’ World History class in 1995. While students there, they participated in a memorable contact with the Space Shuttle through the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), an experience they credit with helping spark their continued interest in amateur radio.
A video from that 1995 SAREX contact can be viewed here: 1995 Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment video
Chisum GT students were also provided the opportunity to meet with Cullum and Patterson and learn firsthand about the evolution and real-world applications of amateur radio communication.
