Gulf Coast Broadcasting’s Sunny 105.7-FM is best known as “The Voice of Paradise,” playing everyone’s favorite beach music. On Friday evenings during the fall, the station proudly becomes “The Voice of the Gulf Shores Dolphins Football.”

Now, once a month, during Lisa Christian’s midday show, the station is hosting Gulf Shores Principal Dr. Ernie Rosado to enlighten the community on all that is going on at the school.

On Monday at noon, “Doc,” as he is affectionately known around the city, joined Christian, discussing a variety of topics from the school lunch menu, to the band and athletic programs, to honor students and even to his days before teaching when he worked at the Pentagon and had an opportunity to testify before Congress.

Dr. Rosado spent a great deal of the 20-minute interview bragging on his students, his teachers and even the volunteers who help make the school so successful, especially during difficult economic times where financial cutbacks have affected Baldwin County Schools. He also recognized the importance of the job he has as the man in charge.

“You are working with the lives of students and you make an impact and it is critical what we do everyday,” Rosado said. “Everyday when I wake up, I like to come and help students.”

The monthly interview with Gulf Shores High School’s top administrator was an idea that developed when Dr. Rosado talked to Christian at the Veteran’s Day band concert.

“She sang the National Anthem, and it was fantastic,” Rosado said. “Then we started talking about doing something regarding the school on the radio and she said ‘Let’s do it’ so we started brainstorming.”

What evolved was a once-per-month live radio interview with Dr. Rosado, giving him a first hand opportunity to address the entire community.

What’s happening now?

During the inaugural interview, a big emphasis went toward the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Navy Junior ROTC and the Juniorettes.

“They are collecting a ton of toys and the class with the most toys donated will get an ice cream party, and last year, let me tell you, they bought some ice cream.”

Dr. Rosado said that the students were getting actively involved and had already donated more than 140 toys that would be given out in the community.

“Anyone in the community can participate by bringing a toy by the school office,” Rosado said.

Also discussed were seniors Caroline Howard and Taylor Planders who received brand news iPads, courtesy of The Hangout and Mac & More for the highest GPA and highest attendance during the first nine-week period. The presentation was made on Saturday at the Christmas lighting ceremony.

“They were only going to give one award, but there was a tie between these two fine students and our sponsors said not to worry about it, that they would give both students an award.”

Dr. Rosado said that the next nine-week period ends next Friday and a similar award will be given, this time to a junior.