Friday, March 21, was an exciting day for St. Mary’s College (SMC) Radio students as Casey MacDonald from KiSS 100.5 FM joined them for the final day of SMC Radio’s March Madness.

MacDonald kicked off her visit in the music room, where radio students in Grades 9-12 had the opportunity to ask about her role as a Drive Announcer and what a typical day in broadcasting looks like. They also shared their own on-air experiences and the types of shows they’ve created this semester.

“I love talking to the students about their shows and what fuels their creativity,” said MacDonald. “Seeing their passion for creating content on SMC Radio is wonderful.”

MacDonald, who has been in broadcasting for 13 years, began her radio career at 88.3 CJIQ, Conestoga College’s station in her hometown of Kitchener, Ont. After graduation, she secured a part-time news reporter role at 570 News in Kitchener, later transitioning to full-time. During this time, she honed her on-air skills through traffic reporting and part-time announcing on 96.7 CHYM FM and Country 106.7. In November 2019, she made the move to Sault Ste. Marie to take on a role at KiSS 100.5.

Her journey and wealth of knowledge serve as a source of inspiration for students interested in broadcasting. Throughout her visit, MacDonald covered a variety of topics, including why students chose to be part of SMC Radio, their interests, script preparation, storytelling techniques, and the best ways to engage an audience.

This marks MacDonald’s fourth year participating in March Madness at SMC, where she also hosts a special lunchtime session in the cafeteria with the radio students.

SMC teacher and SMC Radio creator Mario Rocchetta emphasized the impact of MacDonald’s visits.

“Casey’s presence isn’t just exciting for our radio students—it ignites the entire school community,” Rochetta said. “In the days leading up to her visit, both students and staff record personal videos welcoming her back to SMC.”

To add to the excitement, MacDonald records personalized “radio spots” that play over the PA system during morning announcements leading up to her visit.

“It’s super hyped, and it’s tons of fun,” Rocchetta added. “Casey is a Knight through and through, and she will always be part of our SMC family.”

SMC Radio was created in October 2021 with a soft launch, followed by a full launch in December of that year. The goal was to provide students not only with a platform for their voices to be heard but also an opportunity to learn and grow in the craft of broadcasting.

“The ability to speak and articulate is a real gift,” said Rocchetta. “It was important for me to open a door for our students to be mentored by someone in the business who is truly excellent at what they do.

“I reached out to Casey, told her about SMC Radio and the students, and the rest was history. In each of her four visits to SMC, Casey has pulled back the curtain, so to speak, for our Radio students. She has really taken the time to teach them about broadcasting, especially the importance of Canadian content. Most importantly, she has encouraged and supported our Knights in their journeys as broadcasters. Truly, Casey has been a gift to SMC Radio. It’s a personal highlight for me each year to see the way Casey interacts with these teens and how truly inspiring she is,” he said.

Throughout her visits to SMC, MacDonald has given students valuable tips on effective communication, building confidence on air, and applying those skills in everyday life.

“My one piece of advice for future broadcasters is to be authentic,” said MacDonald. “In a world where everyone is online making content, use your individuality to bring something unique to your listening audience and be the real you. It will allow you to make deep, meaningful connections with your audience, which is the heart of broadcasting.”

To tune into SMC Radio and explore a variety of topics—including spooky stories, Indigenous news, sports talks, and more—download the Stationhead app and search for SMC Radio.