Mason Sports Radio students recognized as board praises program’s growth and reach

The Mason City Board of Education on Tuesday recognized the student-run Mason Sports Radio program, hearing a detailed presentation from teacher Dale Connor and senior student and student executive director Daniel Panetti about the program’s growth and community reach.

Dale Connor told the board the program has become an essential launchpad for students into media careers and credited partnerships and parent support for that growth. “This has been a program that’s been around for such a long time,” Connor said, thanking staff and family volunteers who support broadcasts and production.

Daniel Panetti, who identified himself as a senior and student executive director, described the program’s work this year: live broadcasts of athletics across sports, a growing social media footprint, and cross-grade mentorship that now includes middle school students. Panetti said the program’s YouTube broadcasts collectively topped “over 60,000 views” this year and that the program’s Instagram has “over 2,000 followers.” He added that alumni have used the experience to win college and professional opportunities in media and production.

Superintendent Dr. Cooper and multiple board members praised the students. Dr. Cooper thanked Connor and highlighted the program’s longevity and impact, saying it had benefited “hundreds” of students over the years. Board members described the program as a model for hands-on learning and noted recent honors and awards earned by student journalists.

After the presentation the board invited students forward for photos and small gifts. The recognition drew repeated praise from the board and administrators, who framed Mason Sports Radio as both a community asset and a practical pathway to careers in media and technology.

The board resumed its regular agenda after the student recognition.