El Camino Fundamental High School students recently took over the airwaves for 24 hours during their annual Audiothon, a live broadcast and fundraiser organized entirely by students. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Students at El Camino Fundamental High School recently took over the airwaves for 24 hours during their annual Audiothon, a live broadcast and fundraiser organized entirely by students.

The event supports KYDS 91.5 FM and the Eagle Eye newspaper, two student-led programs that offer real experience in broadcasting and journalism.

Throughout the course of the 24 hours, students worked in shifts to keep the station live. They played music, made announcements, managed the soundboard and engaged listeners around the clock. Weeks of preparation went into coordinating the schedule, promoting the event and helping raise donations.

Joanna, an 11th-grader and vice-president of KYDS, helped lead this year’s planning. She said the funds raised will primarily support the school’s newspaper printing and radio materials. 

“It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t always see. We’re balancing timing, communication and making sure everything runs smoothly while we’re live,” Joanna said.

El Camino Fundamental High School’s 24-hour annual Audiothon event supports KYDS 91.5 FM and the Eagle Eye newspaper, two student-led programs that offer real experience in broadcasting and journalism. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

This year’s goal was set at $8,000.

While the spring Audiothon focused on raising funds for the school’s media programs, students have used past broadcasts to support local nonprofit organizations.

For Meribel, a ninth-grader, the event offered an opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence. 

“I didn’t know anything about broadcasting when I started,” Meribel said. “Now I know how to run the sound system and feel more confident speaking on the spot.”

Students aren’t just participating; they’re managing the entire process. Media teacher and station advisor Matt Sumpter explained that his role is to guide but not take over. 

“If they ask me how to do something, I turn it around and ask how they’d approach it. They take the lead and we build from there,” Sumpter said. 

The Audiothon also carries a sense of tradition. Inside the KYDS studio, a painted wall features the names of graduating students who have contributed to the station. Each year, seniors add their signatures, marking their final broadcast and leaving their legacy behind.

More than just a fundraiser, Audiothon gives students the opportunity to take ownership of a live, public-facing project. It brings together technical skills, collaboration, leadership and pride in their work.