As an alternative to leaning over a grill, flipping burgers for a job, try to imagine leaning into a microphone in a studio filled with state-of-the-art technology. That's the setting for junior Toby Simensen when he spins the music for his radio program at B98, every Sunday from 10 p.m. to midnight.
"There are 22 computers on the first floor," said Simensen as he described the studio. "It's real high tech. The guy that set up the place was really, really smart. It's a nice studio. There are just computers everywhere."
Simensen began work at B98 last March when he and his cousin, Cassie Bee, hosted a radio program.
"We played some songs and talked on the air. It was pretty scary at first, talking to the whole valley," said Simensen. "It becomes more fun."
When Bee graduated last year, the operation of the program was left to Simensen.
"I began my own program in August," said Simensen. "I like to play a variety of music that's not usually played. I like to play mostly modern and new stuff, like Nine Inch Nails and Tori Amos. I just try to throw in new music.
Adding: "It's not really hard staying up that late. When I do overnight shifts on Saturdays until 8 [in the morning] you get kind of tired."
When Simensen began the job, he worked at the station between 5 to 13 hours per week. When he started out, he didn't receive any formal training.
"We just kind of picked it up," said Simensen. "My uncle owns the station and he kind of helped me get a job. [I took it] because it sounded like fun. I'm pretty fortunate to have the job."
Besides having a disk jockey cranking out good music during the late hours of the night, the high school also has a Brave Radio program on KOFI.
"We offer time to kids to do their own (radio) programs," said Ron Hopkins, owner of KOFI. "They would talk about the Shotwell concert and all sorts of things. It's their own show."
Last year, Katie Hagestad hosted Brave Radio, but when she graduated last year, the radio program vanished with her.
"We're in the process of putting it back on again," said Hopkins. "Our goal is to get it on (the air) when kids and parents can listen.
"I think the show is very well received. Parents enjoy hearing about what their children are doing. We've certainly gotten a lot of compliments.
"There's not another one like it."