Finally this week, we here at Amateur Radio Newsline are asking for your help in identifying a very special young person whose ham radio adventures have risen to Olympic heights worthy of special recognition. Newsline’s Mark Abramowicz (Abram-oh-vich) NT3V is here with that story..

MARK: Some of you will know of a young ham who has done extraordinary things in just a few short years of activity in this hobby.

Maybe he or she is now a teenager, someone for whom you have served as a role model – or as we “oldtimers” call it - an Elmer.

Perhaps that person has been involved in spearheading special activities at your radio club, or even started a radio club in their school and recruited classmates.

This could be a young person who – thanks to your support and those in your community – has promoted amateur radio through Field Day, weekly nets, got invited to appear and speak at a forum at Hamvention or earned a coveted invitation to work with other like-minded teenage hams at the Youth on the Air camp.

If you know someone like that, we need you to shine the spotlight on that person.

We’re now opening nominations for the Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Young Ham of the Year award for 2026. We need you to step up and bring your special ham to the attention of our team of judges.

Candidates must be licensed amateur radio operators - 18 years of age or younger - and residents of the continental United States.

Go right now to our website – arnewsline-dot-org and find the nomination form under the awards tab. Start assembling the documentation on your nominee and make sure you turn it in by our May 31 deadline.

This award is only possible with your nominations and your support.