Today is the National Day of Prayer!

Today is a special day for our community, and WNZR is honored to be part of it.

We’re teaming up with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries to make prayer a central focus throughout the day. From morning to evening, you’ll hear voices you know and trust—local pastors and ministry leaders—leading us in prayer at the top of each hour. It’s a simple but powerful way for all of us to pause, refocus, and come together in faith right where we are.

This year’s National Day of Prayer theme, “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All Generations,” reminds us that prayer connects us across every age, every background, and every corner of the world. The theme verse, 1 Chronicles 16:24, says: “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.” It’s an invitation to not only pray, but to remember and share what God is doing.

And we’d love for you to be part of this day in a personal way. If you have a prayer request on your heart—or even a praise report you’d like to celebrate—you’re invited to share it with us. You can email wnzr@mvnu.edu or call 740-392-9090.

However you choose to join in, we hope you’ll take a few moments today to pray with us.

National Day of Prayer Schedule

12:30am – Kandee Popham, Place 4 Grace

1:30am – Marvin Haught, Brandon Baptist Church

2:30am – Troy McNichols, New Life Church of the Nazarene

3:30am – Andy Smith, New Life Community Church, Fredericktown

4:30am – Thom Collier, e-Merge Real Estate Champions and Chaplain

5:30am – Jess Kirby, Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center

6:30am – Captain Christine Moretz, Mount Vernon Salvation Army

7:30am – Marcy Rinehart, WNZR/MVNU

8:30am  – Jessica Reynolds, TouchPointe Community Resources

9:30am – Scott Sharpes, Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene

10:30am – Amy McDougale, The Least of These Ministry

11:30am – Jenn Furay, Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center

12:30pm – Carolyn Fergus, Knox County Interchurch Social Services

1:30pm –– Cody Blust, Faith Lutheran Church

2:30pm – Dave Mills, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

3:30pm – Mike McKinley, TouchPointe Community Resources

4:30pm – Dr. Carson Castleman, President Mount Vernon Nazarene University

5:30pm – Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr

6:30pm – Tim Stickle, Revive Knox County

7:30pm – Joe Rinehart from WNZR 90.9 FM/Mount Vernon Nazarene University

8:30pm – Joe Proudfoot, Mount Vernon FirstNaz

9:30pm – Richard Hite, Church on the Rise

10:30pm – David Carter, Child Evangelism Fellowship, former High School Guidance Counselor

11:30pm – Christopher Liberati, Gay Street United Methodist Church

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Jackson Bush

It’s Senior’s Week here at WNZR!

For Mount Vernon Nazarene University senior Jackson Bush, the path to graduation has been shaped by opportunity, hard work, and meaningful connections.

Click HERE for the full conversation with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Originally from Roseville, California, Jackson grew up playing volleyball and continued that passion as a member of MVNU’s men’s team. He began college at Cornerstone University studying film and TV, but a visit to MVNU for a conference tournament changed everything. Impressed by the quality of the video stream—and after his original program was discontinued—he made the decision to transfer and pursue Communications and Digital Media.

Once at MVNU, Jackson jumped right in. He reached out and got involved with WNZR, taking on roles with the video crew, as a communications assistant, and as an intern. Along the way, he discovered just how much goes into media—and embraced the challenge of learning it all.

Some of his favorite moments happened off the court and behind the scenes—road trips, late-night food runs, and time spent with teammates. Those relationships are what he’ll miss most.

While graduation marks the end of one chapter, Jackson isn’t going far. He’ll continue with WNZR as a graduate assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in organizational management. As he looks ahead, he asks for prayer for his mom, who will undergo treatment for multiple sclerosis this summer, and for guidance as he works out his living situation for the year ahead.

It’s a season of transition—but one Jackson is stepping into with purpose and gratitude.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Steve Jefferson finds a powerful and emotional story of truth as he takes on the role of Reverend Sykes

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Steve Jefferson, who plays Reverend Sykes in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Steve got involved in theater after retiring from a teaching career at the Knox County Career Center. He shares how stepping into theater opened a whole new world and gave him an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that makes each production possible.

Steve talks about the powerful, true-to-life story of this show. He shares that he wanted to be part of a production that tells such an important story.

Steve shares about his preparation for this role and the relationships he has built with the cast. He encourages the community to come out and see the show. Steve calls this show a powerful and emotional story that reflects important truths and leaves audiences thinking long after the performance ends.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets!

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Seeing the Story Through Her Eyes: Grace Shank Steps Into the Role of Scout Finch

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Grace Shank, who plays Scout Finch in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Grace is a 17-year-old junior at East Knox, and she takes on the role of young Scout in the show. An older version of Scout—Jean Louise—helps tell the story, but Grace says her focus has been figuring out how to bring that younger perspective to life. That’s meant thinking and reacting more like a kid who’s still trying to understand everything going on around her.

She says one of the things she likes most about Scout is how honest she is. Scout says what she’s thinking, asks questions, and doesn’t really hold back. That plays into one of Grace’s favorite moments in the show—the final scene—when Scout begins to see Boo Radley in a different light and realizes she may have had him all wrong.

This is Grace’s 12th production, and she says Beauty and the Beast has been one of her favorites over the years. Even though she plans to pursue a career as a forensic investigator, she still hopes to stay involved in theater when she can.

She also says the cast has made this experience especially memorable. Even with the heavier themes in the show, there’s been a lot of fun behind the scenes, and she’s enjoyed getting to know everyone.

Grace says if someone is thinking about trying theater, they should go for it. Each show is a chance to learn something new and get a little better.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets!

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Abby Almodovar

It’s Senior’s Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and WNZR is celebrating the graduates who have been part of the station.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, a senior and longtime voice behind the scenes and on the air.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Abby’s path to MVNU came after moving from Augusta, Georgia to Ohio during high school. After visiting campus and connecting with faculty, she knew MVNU was the right fit—moving into her dorm the same day her family moved into their Ohio home.

She arrived undeclared but found her direction, becoming a double major in Communications and Digital Media while also adding English. Along the way, she became deeply involved with WNZR—working afternoon drive, summer staff, marketing photography, and serving as Station Operations Assistant. She also played a key role with the Lakeholm Viewer as editor, helping shape its creative direction.

Abby says one of her biggest takeaways has been learning how to build one-on-one connections and step into leadership, even as someone who considers herself naturally shy. Through her work, she’s grown in confidence and learned to trust both her ideas and her team.

Some of her favorite memories include Lifeline and the strong support from the community, along with unique classroom experiences like an honors “Zombies” course that brought creativity to life in a fun way.

As graduation approaches, Abby says it’s bittersweet. She was recently named Outstanding Staff Member of the Lakeholm Viewer and is grateful for the impact MVNU has had on her life. After graduation, she plans to stay in Mount Vernon and work in ministry with Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.

She asks for prayer as she steps into this next season—seeking clarity and a continued opportunity to honor God in all she does.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Isaiah Clark

It’s Senior’s Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and WNZR is celebrating the grads who have been part of the station along the way.

WNZR’s Eric Brown caught up with Isaiah Clark, a graduating student earning his associate degree in Communications and Media.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Isaiah is from Butler, Ohio, and says MVNU had always been on his radar. His dad is a graduate, and growing up, Isaiah spent time on campus attending different events. When he heard about the communications program, it felt like a natural fit—even though he admits he wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do at first.

That started to change during his freshman year. After taking Intro to Radio, Isaiah was on the air the very next semester. He says if he could go back and do it all over again, he would in a heartbeat.

During his time with WNZR, Isaiah stayed busy. He worked as an on-air DJ, helped with the video crew, and was involved with Lifeline. Along the way, he learned how to communicate, work as a team, and help run events and fundraisers.

One of his favorite memories is Lifeline itself. Isaiah says the support from upperclassmen and seniors made a big difference, helping calm nerves and build confidence as he stepped into that experience.

Another standout moment goes back to his freshman year during Homecoming weekend. Isaiah helped with eight different events and had the chance to connect with alumni—something he says helped him feel even more a part of the MVNU community.

Looking ahead, Isaiah says he would love to pursue something in journalism or sports photography. He enjoys writing and telling stories, and as he takes the next step, he simply asks for prayer and clarity about what’s ahead.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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A Darker Turn: Ian Fraser Ernsberger Brings Bob Ewell to Life on Stage in To Kill a Mockingbird

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Ian Fraser Ernsberger, who plays Bob Ewell in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Ian brings nearly 40 years of theater experience, both on stage and behind the scenes, and says this role gave him the opportunity to step outside his usual comedic characters and take on something much darker. He describes Bob Ewell as the story’s main antagonist—a man driven by attention and influence, no matter the cost.

To prepare, Ian focuses on understanding the character’s motivations and letting the script guide his performance. He says he enjoys how the character is written and hopes audiences clearly see that personality come to life on stage.

Ian has appeared in productions like A Few Good Men, Shrek, and Mary Poppins, and says what keeps him coming back is the audience reaction—whether it’s laughter, surprise, or strong emotional responses.

He also highlights working alongside the cast, especially Jeff Scott as Atticus Finch, saying their courtroom scenes feel like a true clash between good and evil.

Ian says audiences can expect a faithful and powerful retelling of To Kill a Mockingbird, tackling themes of justice, family, and moral responsibility. He encourages others to get involved in theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes, and says seeing a live performance—especially with familiar faces—offers a unique experience.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE to find out more or to buy tickets!

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Naomi Kinne, Graphic Designer

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is talking with senior Naomi Kinne as part of Seniors Week at MVNU.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio, and says MVNU had been on her radar for a long time. Growing up, she heard about the university often through her Nazarene church, which made the decision to come here feel like a natural one.

She’s a Graphic Design major with a minor in Communications—something that fits her well. Naomi says she’s always been creative and enjoyed making things, even contributing graphics to her high school yearbook. So pursuing graphic design in college just made sense.

That creativity carried over into her work at WNZR. Naomi applied to be the station’s graphic designer last year and has been part of the team ever since. Along with her design work, she’s also been on-air and involved with the video team—helping with graphics, cameras, and production as needed.

When it comes to sports, Naomi says football is her favorite overall, but she especially enjoys being part of WNZR’s basketball streams.

Looking back, one of her favorite memories is simple—being at block party, enjoying free food, and spending time with friends.

As graduation approaches, Naomi says her next steps include staying on campus through May, attending CMB Momentum, and continuing the job search over the summer. She’s also considering a possible internship in Florida.

As she looks ahead, Naomi asks for prayers—for clarity, direction, and trust in what God has next, both for her and for her family back home.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Traven Griffith, Music Director

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is catching up with senior Traven Griffith as part of Seniors Week at MVNU.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Traven grew up right here in Mount Vernon and says coming to MVNU was largely about one thing: getting the chance to be on WNZR, a station he’d been listening to for nearly a decade.

Now a Communications and Digital Media major, he’s spent the past three years doing just that. You’ve likely heard him on-air as a DJ, or behind the scenes helping with events, games, and summer shifts. For the past two years, he’s also served as Music Director—something he didn’t originally expect.

Traven thought he might go into production, but after a conversation, Marcy saw leadership potential and tapped him for the Music Director role. It’s an experience he says helped him better understand how a radio station operates day-to-day.

Looking back, Traven says it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone. One of his favorite memories is freshman year—meeting people in the department and finally getting to live out his childhood dream of being a DJ. He even remembers calling into the radio as an 8-year-old and being thrilled just to be part of it.

There are also some unforgettable moments along the way—like the 2024 Dog Parade, when a storm rolled in right before things started. Traven laughs about scrambling to dump water out of the tent and getting soaked, but still having a great time.

As Music Director, he’s enjoyed working with artists like TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY, while also helping introduce new music to listeners.

Next up, Traven is looking toward a career in video editing—something he’s loved even longer than radio. As he starts that job search, he’s asking for prayers and direction for what’s ahead.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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