Each year, the club sets the goal of having "FUN" as our key objective, and by all accounts that goal was easily achieved this year. NFARL stations were loud and active on the bands in the GQP!!
The NFARL team had an impressive count of 29 participants, and although a bit under last year's number (30), this core group was focused on putting NFARL and Georgia on the air, and indeed they did!!
Additionally, we had a record count of rookie entries (6) which accounted for significant contributions to the total team score!!
The official scores from the GQP have been posted and the North Fulton Amateur Radio League won the gavel for the highest club store for the state of Georgia.
Following are some impressive numbers and notes for the team:
29 - This year, 29 stations participated in the "Challenge" on the air, our 4th highest level to date. Although not our highest total of operators, scores posted indicated many operators improving on past performances, likely a result of the combination of improving operating skills and station setups, as well as enhanced propagation.
5 - the consecutive years that the NFARL team members (when excluding the 1x1 team point totals) posted scores in excess of the next highest Georgia Club!!!
15 - the number of total stations, worldwide, in the GQP earning the "Spell NFARL" certificate in 2025, matching the amount earned in 2024. Even with the increased activity and favorable propagation, this number was nearly half of our record year in 2021, and is indicative as to what a challenge it is to obtain this award.
1 - the number of stations completing a "Clean Sweep" contacting all ten NFARL 1x1 stations - this award was earned by our very own Neil Foster, N4FN.
4 - the number of NFARL members earning the "Spell NFARL" certificate - matching last year!!! WA1NIP, NJ8J, KQ4PCR, & N4FN.
6 - the number of "Rookie" participants in the "NFARL Challenge" - a new record !!!
326,925 - total score submitted by the N4N rover team, Mike Roden, K5JR, Tim Lemmon, WK4U, and Mark Weber, KX4MZ
The club would like to recognize Daryl Young, K4RGK, for managing the QRZ pages for the special 1x1 calls, facilitating the "Spell NFARL" award program, as well as providing QSL info for stations wishing to receive the special 1x1 QSL card.
Kudos go to Roy Barbosa, KQ4OYM and Tony WA3TRA, for maintaining the info on the NFARL website related to the GQP and their most timely responsiveness to our requests.
Mark Fowler, WA1NIP, added exposure and direction for NFARL activity in the GQP across our social media platforms.
NFARL would also like to thank all those who participated in the Georgia QSO Party and for their efforts in enhancing the fun for all in the contest.
Also, for those who participated in the "NFARL Challenge", scores are being reviewed and compiled for certificates and awards to be presented at a future meeting, or perhaps at a virtual time and place.
