Northwest High School’s NHStv Live wins Lone Star Regional Emmy for student newscast

Northwest High School’s NHStv Live has earned the 2025 Lone Star Regional Emmy Award for best student newscast, rising above entries from both high schools and colleges across Texas.

Recognized for outstanding achievement in student media and journalism, this marks the first-ever student Regional Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the school’s Creative Media Production Academy. The winning entry was an NHStv Live broadcast produced on January 30, 2025, and judged by broadcast professionals from across the region.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication that went into every show throughout the year,” said Taylor Caballero, Creative Media Production Academy teacher. “What made it so special was the students’ drive and ownership of their work. Instead of settling for a good show, they pushed for excellence every single day.”

Ms. Caballero said teamwork plays a major role in the program’s success. Because the students work so closely together every day, she said, collaboration and strong team dynamics are key to producing a good show.

NHStv Live is a daily, 10-minute newscast viewed by students and staff at Northwest High School. The show also reaches audiences beyond campus, including parents and middle school media students, through their website.

Last year, NHStv Live received the Broadcast Excellence Award for Best Daily Live News Show in the nation. The student-produced program features campus updates, high school sports, state and national news, and special segments spotlighting student entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and more.

Ms. Caballero said she hopes students take away more than just broadcasting skills from their experience.

 “There are lessons they’ll carry into any career — collaboration, communication and professionalism,” she said. “Even when they work with people they don’t always agree with, they learn to come together toward one goal. I hope they leave with both the technical and professional skills that give them an advantage in college and beyond.”

Ms. Caballero said she became emotional when she learned the students had earned the award.

 “I cried,” she admitted. “Their hard work, dedication and pride in what they do – it all paid off.”

The recognition validates all the effort that goes into every episode, said Senior Leah Skinner, one of the show’s executive producers and anchors.

 “We put so much effort into our shows every day,” she said. “People sometimes think we just read off a script or stand in front of a camera, but there’s so much more behind the scenes. Every show is planned days in advance, and a lot of content is prepared weeks ahead. To have professionals recognize that work – it’s really rewarding.”

Senior Mia Gjonbalaj, a news and sports anchor, agreed that the student Regional Emmy win helps others understand the depth of their work.

 “Our classmates see the show every day, but they don’t always realize how much goes into it,” she said. “We write, edit and produce everything ourselves. Many people don’t see the behind-the-scenes effort, so it’s really nice to be recognized.”

For Senior Austin Morrissette, an executive producer and sports reporter, said working on the show has been transformative.

 “I wasn’t the best public speaker at first,” he said. “Being on the news and speaking in front of thousands of people has really helped me grow my confidence and communication skills.”

Kelley Henderson, Northwest ISD’s executive director of college and career readiness, commended the team’s accomplishment.

 “We are so proud of our Creative Media Production Academy students and teachers for being recognized as the best in the state,” Ms. Henderson said. “This honor reflects their dedication, talent and the countless hours they invest to produce a high-quality, student-led newscast.”