While many teenagers spend their evenings playing video games or scrolling social media, 14-year-old amateur radio (also known as “ham radio”) operator Micah Sandoval, KB4MPS, was busy this past week making radio contacts across the US. Sandoval participated as part of a special event station supporting the ARRL America250 Worked All States (WAS) Award program, a year-long operating event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States. ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® is a Supporting Partner of America250, the national, nonpartisan organisation charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that marks America’s Semiquincentennial.
Operating alongside his mentor, James Hooper, K9QJS, Sandoval logged over 150 ham radio contacts. The event has attracted the participation of ham radio operators from across the country, and even around the world.
Sandoval’s amateur radio journey began when he was just nine years old. Inspired by his grandfather, Philip Wagner, WA6NER, who would bring a handheld radio during visits, Sandoval became fascinated by the hobby. That early interest turned into a passion for amateur radio when he earned his Technician Class license in October 2022, upgraded to General Class in June 2025, and achieved the highest amateur radio license level, Amateur Extra, a month later at the age of 13.
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