The Washington County Amateur Radio Club (W5AUM) is proud to announce the successful completion of its February 2026 Amateur (Ham) Radio Technician License Class. The two-day course, held February 21–22, 2026, introduced participants to the fundamentals of amateur radio, including basic electronics, radio operating practices, safety, and the many ways amateur radio operators serve their communities. Designed to take participants from curious beginners to licensed operators in a single weekend, the class provided practical, real-world instruction from experienced local radio operators involved in public service and emergency communications.
The event proved to be an outstanding success. A total of 26 individuals attended the class, and every participant successfully passed the FCC Technician-Class Amateur Radio examination, earning their entry-level amateur radio license. Achieving a 100 percent pass rate is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects both the dedication of the students and the commitment of the club’s volunteer instructors and examiners who worked throughout the weekend to guide participants through the material.
The Washington County Amateur Radio Club would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Christ Lutheran Churchfor graciously providing the use of their facilities for the event. Their hospitality helped create a welcoming and comfortable learning environment that allowed students to focus on learning and collaboration throughout the weekend.
Amateur radio continues to play an important role in communities across the country. In addition to being an engaging technical hobby, licensed amateur radio operators often provide communications support during emergencies, assist with community events, and contribute to public service and disaster response efforts. Many operators also enjoy experimenting with radio technology and communicating with other operators across the nation and around the world.
The club congratulates its 26 newly licensed Technician-class operators and looks forward to hearing them on the air and seeing them become active participants in the amateur radio community. The Washington County Amateur Radio Club remains committed to promoting education, advancing the art of radio communication, and supporting public service through amateur radio in Washington County and beyond.