The Student Production Awards Committee and the Board of Governors of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences welcome you to the:
8th Annual Suncoast Student Production Awards
The Suncoast Student Production Awards recognize outstanding student achievements in production by conferring awards of merit in the chapter’s designated award region of the entire State of Florida, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, Thomasville, Georgia and Puerto Rico.
The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, is a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to excellence in television. We support future television industry professionals by recognizing the talent and efforts of college and high school students in our region with Student Production Awards. The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence by those studying media and journalism and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements by undergraduate college/university and/or high school students.
We proudly support college and high school seniors through our annual scholarship program. This April, we awarded more than $58,000 to 12 outstanding students. Since 1996, the Suncoast Chapter has granted over $1 million in scholarship funding, supporting students in their pursuit of careers in Broadcast Journalism.
Celebrating 50 Years
This year, the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of honoring excellence, creativity, and innovation in television and media.
For half a century, the Suncoast Chapter has been a driving force in elevating storytelling and recognizing the talent that shapes and advances our media landscape.
Restriction on the Use of Emmy® Mark
Schools may refer to the fact that they are recipients of a NATAS Student Production Award but may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion.
Submission of an entry to the Suncoast Student Production Awards constitutes permission for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter to telecast or screen the entry and to webcast the entry, or portions of the entry.
Awards and Judging Process
The Suncoast Student Production Award entries are judged against a standard of excellence and not against each other. There may be one award, more than one award or no award in a given category. There may be occasions in which there are nominees and no recipients.
Categories are combined for presentation purposes. If a recipient is not announced for a named category, it means there were no recipients in that category.
Duplicate awards (crystal pillars) with individual student’s name will be available for purchase by College/University and High School recipients.
It is important to note that the Suncoast Chapter conducts separate and distinct Student Production Award programs in English and Spanish. This afternoon we will be recognizing the recipients for both programs.
Categories Without Nominations
There are questions related to categories which did not receive nominations in this year’s Suncoast Student Production Awards. In order to foster clear communication and transparency among all submitters, we want to further explain that process.
This is neither a precedent-setting nor a unique circumstance. Categories with zero nominees occur annually, and over a wide variety of disciplines. For announcement purposes, categories are merged. If a category is not listed, it means there was either no entry in that category or no nominations.
Our Call for Entry states, “Entries are judged against a standard of excellence on their own merit and do not compete against each other. There may be one award, more than one award or no award given only to the eligible recipient(s) listed on each entry.” All entries in all categories are judged by qualified faculty and professionals with more than 5 years of experience in the industry. Entries in English are judged by English-speaking judges and entries in Spanish are judged by Spanish-speaking judges.
In order to receive a nomination, an entry must reach a threshold percentage of high scores. Entries with scores below that threshold do not receive a nomination.
In order to receive a Student Production award, entries much reach an even higher threshold.
Each year, we research the categories without nominations. We determined that all of the judges were qualified and their credentials are in order.
Crystal Pillars
Have you received a Student Production Award in past years?
It’s never too late to commemorate your achievement with a beautiful crystal pillar award.
Our crystal pillars feature the Emmy® logo and are personalized with an inscription celebrating your accomplishment.
All prices include personalization. Shipping is not included.
High School Pillar: $135 | College Pillar: $155
Special Thanks To:
A Message from the President
Welcome to the 2026 Student Production Awards of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Year after year, we are impressed by the creativity and quality displayed in the competition submissions, and this year’s entries continue to raise the bar in content, creativity, and execution.
Congratulations to all the winners on your outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news, and informational achievements. Well done!
As future professionals, we cannot wait to see how your work will help shape the future of our industry.
Sincerely,
Frances Hernandez
President, NATAS Suncoast Chapter
A Message from the Suncoast Student Production Awards Chair
On behalf of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter and our Board of Governors, welcome to the 2026 Student Production Awards at Nova Southeastern University.
Today, we get to celebrate you, the next generation of storytellers in media and journalism. These awards are a chance to recognize your hard work and to encourage you to keep going. Every year, we’re blown away by the talent across our region, from high schools to colleges and universities. Your creativity, your voice, and your dedication to your craft are what make this so special.
A big thank you as well to the professors, teachers, and advisors who support and mentor these students. What you do truly matters.
To all our nominees, congratulations, and enjoy the moment. Good luck!
Sarah Serafini
Chair, Suncoast Student Production Awards
This is your front-row seat to candid conversations with industry experts, live.
We're talking everything from navigating the use of AI effectively to mastering the art of capturing compelling stories. Get the inside scoop on what's really happening in the biz!
The Pros
MODERATOR
Media Specialist
Peebles Communications
Executive Producer
BECON-TV
CCNN Live Advisor
Christopher Columbus
High School
Reporter
CBS Miami
Reporter
Florida Panthers TV
Student Production Awards Presenter
Lauren Pastrana
Evening Anchor
CBS News Miami
Lauren Pastrana is a Miami native and Emmy®-nominated multimedia journalist who serves as co-anchor of CBS News Miami’s weeknight newscasts at 5, 6, 7, and 11 p.m. She joined the station in April 2012 as a reporter and has since built a career spanning television, radio, and digital platforms, with a strong commitment to telling stories that reflect her local community.
Early in her career, Lauren balanced dual roles, working as a morning anchor at Newsradio 610 WIOD while reporting for CBS News Miami. She later became a full-time evening reporter and spent five years anchoring the station’s morning newscast. During that time, she developed engaging segments such as “Lauren’s List,” “South Florida Survivors,” “Dogs in the City,” and “Talkin’ With Joe.”
Lauren has played a key role in covering major events, including hurricanes, elections, the death of Fidel Castro, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 social justice protests, and the arraignment of Donald Trump. She also produced and hosted the special “Illuminating Alzheimer’s,” inspired by her family’s experience.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching baseball and spending time with her husband, son Jordan and Daughter Gianela.
Student Production Awards Presenter
Calvin Hughes
Local 10 News Anchor
Calvin Hughes is a nine-time Emmy® Award-winning newscaster and anchor at WPLG-Local 10’s 4, 5, 6, 9 and 11 p.m. newscasts.
With more than 20 years of experience, he has covered many of South Florida’s most impactful and challenging events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, the Parkland school shooting, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Known for his fearless, on-the-ground reporting, Hughes has also delivered major international coverage. His work includes reporting from Haiti after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, where he interviewed the First Lady, and coverage from Cuba during historic visits by Pope Francis and President Barack Obama.
In 2023, Hughes earned an Emmy® Award for his Juneteenth documentary filmed in Galveston, Texas, which was syndicated nationwide. He has been recognized locally as Miami’s Best TV News Anchor three times (2011, 2022, and 2025). Beyond journalism, he is dedicated to mentorship and community involvement, teaching at the University of Miami and supporting local organizations. Hughes is also a devoted father who proudly calls South Florida home with his two sons, Solomon and Roman, and daughter, Sakala Danielle.
Suncoast Scholarship Chair
Alex Suarez
BEACON-TV
Alex Suarez is an accomplished media professional with extensive experience in television production and content creation. Currently serving as Manager, Production II at BECON TV, Suarez oversees the production of instructional programs, coordinates broadcasts of high school graduations across Broward County, and leads the production of the High School Football Showcase for the Broward Education Foundation. He also spearheaded the launch of the “I’m with Her” and “Wrong Number” podcasts and manages the daily operations of the BECON Production Department, producing compelling stories that highlight Broward County Public Schools.
Prior to joining BECON, Suarez held a series of executive producer roles at NBC Universal, including Duopoly Executive Producer, Entertainment at NBC 6 and Telemundo 51, where he launched and transformed “South Florida Live” and oversaw daily production of entertainment programs and live broadcasts. As Executive Producer, Entertainment and Sports, he developed dynamic, multi-platform content combining news, trending topics, and live sports coverage, guiding on-air talent and production teams from concept to broadcast under tight deadlines. Suarez is recognized for his ability to integrate creative storytelling with operational excellence, consistently delivering engaging content that resonates with audiences.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
We are thrilled to congratulate this year's 2026 Suncoast Scholarship recipients, an inspiring group of students recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Their hard work and dedication truly set them apart, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the future!
Paola Perez
University of Florida
BOB BEHRENS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Lucas Batalla
Florida International University
Gabriella Collazo
University of Miami
Nicholas Dovales
Florida International University
Marcella Escribens
University of Miami
Myla'Shay Harris
Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Austin Lamanna
University of Central Florida
Kaden Orton
University of Central Florida
Adrian Perez
Florida State University
Jessica Valdes
University of Miami
Dani Vega
University of Miami
Alexis Vivanco
University of Florida
This year, the Suncoast Chapter awarded Paola Perez the Bob Behrens Scholarship, a special award given to a student who embodies enterprising journalism and innovation in the industry. Paola has built an impressive body of work across broadcast and multimedia production, contributing to over a dozen projects at WUFT, including directing the live UF Homecoming Parade, working on WUFT Amplified, Greater Good, and Knight Talks, and piloting WUFT On-Campus. Beyond her accomplishments, she is driven by a clear passion for storytelling and hands-on learning, consistently stepping into new roles with enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong commitment to growth.
The Suncoast Chapter is pleased to honor the legacy and carry on the mission of former Suncoast Chapter Executive Director, Bob Behrens, who was dedicated to fostering excellence in journalism through philanthropic efforts.
Notably, prior to his death, Bob Behrens was deeply committed to supporting students pursuing careers in communication and broadcasting. It was his vision for the Chapter to award scholarships to deserving students of communication and/ or broadcasting in the Suncoast region each year. In continuing his legacy, the Suncoast Chapter offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors and to college and university students who reside within the Suncoast Region, which includes the State of Florida, the State of Louisiana, the Mobile–Pensacola Market area, and Puerto Rico.
To be eligible, students must plan to attend or currently attend a four-year college or university in the Suncoast Region and must have a declared major in Communications/Broadcasting with a concentration in television.
2026 Officers
Frances Hernandez
President & National Chapter Council
Craig Stevens
1st Vice President
Mia Laurenzo
2nd Vice President
Chris Cifatte
Secretary
John Mays
Treasurer
Karla MacDonald
Executive Director & National Chapter Council
Ronald L. Martin, CPA, P.A.
Controller
Rainer Lorenzo
Legal Counsel
Board of Governors
Claire Galt
Regional Vice President – Fort Myers
Mary Blue
Regional Vice President – Louisiana
Miguelángel López
Regional Vice President – Orlando-Daytona Beach
Victor J. Montilla
Regional Vice President – Puerto Rico
Alexa Denagall
Regional Vice President – Tallahassee
Preston Rudie
Regional Vice President – Tampa-St. Petersburg
Jordan Matich
Regional Vice President – West Palm Beach
Frank Adelson
WTVJ NBC 6
Alexa Elliott
South Florida PBS
Richard Engelhardt
WPLG Local 10 News & National Chapter Council
Amanda Mariscal
WLTV Univision
Antonio Mora
University of Miami
Sandra Peebles
Founder of Peebles Communications, Miami
Rocio Ramirez
TelevisaUnivision
Ana Rivera
Identity Media, Miami
Dennis Scholl
Producer and Documentary Filmmaker
Sarah Serafini
SVP, Creative Operations @ BPD
Alex Suarez
BECON-TV Broward County Public Schools
Max Wyler
Accord Productions
Credits
Karla MacDonald
Producer
Deviyani Panchal
Administrator
Stacey Panson
Art Director
Victor Fernandez
Student Production Awards Editor & Producer
Mia Laurenzo
Student Production Awards Editor & Meet the Pros Coordinator
Flavio Santanna
Digital Design — Frontera Interactive
Wayne MacDonald
Production Crew
Ana Rivera & Team
Identity Media PR
Addison McGowan
Photographer - Shots by Addie - addisonmcgowan.com
Ron Martin, CPA
Student Production Awards Tabulation
Special Thanks
Danny Swerdlow
Director of Arts
NSU University School
Meet the Pros Team:
Sandra Peebles, Moderator
Omar Delgado
Katie Engleson
Jim Guarasci
Morgan Rynor
Sarah Serafini
Student Production Awards Chair
Alex Suarez
Suncoast Scholarship Chair
Calvin Hughes
Student Production Awards Presenter
Local 10 News Anchor
Lauren Pastrana
Student Production Awards Presenter
Evening Anchor, CBS News Miami
Frontera Interactive
Society Awards
Crown Awards
Suncoast Chapter Board Members
Scholarship & Student Production Awards Committee
Suncoast Student Production Awards VOLUNTEERS