The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Celebrates the Next Generation at the 2026 Student Production Awards
Atlanta, GA - The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) proudly hosted its 2026 Student Production Awards on Saturday, honoring outstanding student achievement in television and media production across the region.
Held in Atlanta, the annual event brought together emerging creatives, educators, and industry leaders for an inspiring celebration of storytelling, innovation, and excellence. The evening was masterfully led by Emmy Award winning journalist and CBS Atlanta anchor Sharon Lawson, who served as Mistress of Ceremony.
Under the leadership of veteran journalist Donna Lowry and the Southeast Chapter Board of Governors, the production highlighted the depth of talent rising from high schools and colleges throughout the Southeast region. The awards are part of NATAS’ ongoingmission to cultivate the next generation of media professionals while recognizing excellence in student-produced content.
The 2026 NATAS Southeast Student Production Awards ceremony showcased an impressive range of talent across both college and high school divisions. Out of nearly 270 applicants, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) led collegiate honorees with 11 awards, followed by the University of South Carolina and Furman University. Among high schools, The Westminster Schools earned the most awards, with 10, followed by Central Educational Center with 8. Winners represented a diverse group of institutions from across the region, highlighting excellence in journalism, storytelling, and production. From in-depth news coverage to creative storytelling and technical achievement, this year’s recipients reflect the strength of the next generation of media professionals. All high school winners are automatically entered in the National Student Production Awards. Last year, a school in the Southeast won at the national level.
Throughout the program, presenters took the stage not only to announce nominees and winners, but to pour into the next generation. Each shared personal reflections from their own journeys in media, offering powerful responses to the question:“What would you tell your 18-year-old self?”
Their insights emphasized resilience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance in an ever-evolving industry.The ceremony recognized a wide range of categories spanning news, storytelling, cinematography, editing, and technical production.
A full list of nominees and winners is available on the Southeast Emmy official website.The Southeast Emmy® Student Production Awards remain a cornerstone initiative, bridging the gap between education and professional achievement while celebrating the voices shaping tomorrow’s media landscape.
For more information and to view the complete list of nominees and winners, visit the official Southeast Emmy website. About The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter: The Southeast Chapter of NATAS promotes excellence in the television industry by recognizing outstanding achievements, fostering professional development, and celebrating leadership in creative and technical innovation.
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