Stew Cohen has come a long way since hiding in his high school bathroom to rewrite and practice speeches long enough to miss an entire class.

The self-described introvert would have done anything to avoid public speaking, a far cry from his more than 35-year broadcasting career that includes emceeing charity events, mentoring students and bringing the area its news and traffic on Star 105.5 WZSR-FM and Y103.9 FM.

The 58-year-old Morton Grove native has called McHenry County home since 1988. His career has taken him to Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, St. Charles and Dallas.