HFC alumnus aspires to a mass media career -- starting with radio

The mass media industry is a family tradition for HFC alumnus Trevor McConico.

His father, Henry McConico, is a senior editor for FOX 2 Detroit. McConico, who graduated from HFC last spring, earning his associate degree in telecommunication. The lifelong Detroiter, who aspires to be a producer and editor, will transfer to Wayne State University, where he will major in media arts.

McConico’s desire to go into mass media came about when he was a student at Communication & Media Arts (CMA) High School, which is part of the Detroit Public Schools. He didn’t want to join Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, so he took a mass media class instead. This set his career path.

“I got to work on scripts, I got to work on cameras, I did news stories,” said McConico. “I felt right at home in this class.”

“HFC pushed me to succeed”

Upon graduating from CMA in 2018, McConico chose to attend HFC. He and his parents spoke about where he should continue his education at length, and decided on HFC so he could get a feel for college.

“I liked the campus and the atmosphere. I loved the workout facility and definitely loved the cafeteria! I was so happy with the teachers at the College. They’re so attentive and really want you to succeed. I’d like to give a special thanks to Susan McGraw – who definitely pushed me to succeed and became my mentor – as well as (telecom professor) Tom Hopkins and (criminal justice professor) Daniel Kearney,” said McConico.

Be Moor Radio

Currently, McConico works at Be Moor Radio, a hip-hop radio station in Detroit that is committed to positively impacting the world, beginning with Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood. Be Moor’s philosophy of music is to create, play, and promote hip-hop music that is honorable, pure, respectful, and contains no profanity.

“I’m learning how to operate a radio station, applying what I learned in my telecom classes at HFC. I did a 10-second spot as host and DJ,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful, smooth ride.”

"Trevor stands out as a confident and creative student,” said McGraw, HFC Chairperson of the Department of Communication and Media/WHFR General Manager. “He embraced his learning of mass media with tons of personality and great passion, a sharp wit, and a strong sense of humor – all things necessary to be successful in this field."