By Jessica Corbett, Editor
As students filled their lunch trays in the cafeteria, ’85 Kaneland alumnus and 101.9 “The Mix” radio station D.J. Eric Ferguson took a stroll down memory lane on Nov. 10.
He walked the high school’s halls, accompanied by his cameraman Kyle. Some staff and administration gathered in a giddy cluster behind the camera. Ferguson visited Kaneland High School to film a session of “Eric All-Access,” an online “behind-the-scenes” show for The Mix’s website. From interviewing Bon Jovi, to trips to local day spas, “Eric All-Access” features many topics.
“We look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, to give little peek into the real life [behind the radio show],” Ferguson said. “I go back stage at different events. It gets me out of the office, which I like.”
“Since I talk about being from here all the time, we decided to [visit the high school],” Ferguson said. “We [also] took the camera into Elburn, my hometown.”
Junior Colleen Ryan witnessed the filming session on her way to class.
“I saw some flashes. Then I saw [Eric] and his camera man,” she said. “He’s not full of himself; he didn’t come with a lot of people.”
Ryan said she has heard Ferguson mention his Kaneland roots while on the air.
“I think it’s cool when alum actually care [to come back] and encourage us,” Ryan said.
While visiting Kaneland, Ferguson had the opportunity to catch up with his former English teacher, Patricia Welker.
“It was a surprise to me,” Welker said, whose reunion with Ferguson was caught on camera.
Welker said it’s always nice to catch up with former students, and that she didn’t intend to be on film.
“I’ve been in contact with Eric, and I’ve been able to see him [since he graduated],” she said. “Eric is a great guy.”