DPNews Earns Multiple Honors at Inaugural High School Division of Pacific Southwest Regional Emmy® Student Awards

Students from Dos Pueblos High School’s award-winning DPNews program earned top recognition at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter Student Production Awards, marking a historic milestone as the first year high school students were included in the prestigious regional Emmy® competition.

The Pacific Southwest Region, which represents Southern California and Nevada, expanded its Student Production Awards this year to include high school entries. 

DPNews students were recognized across multiple categories, showcasing excellence in storytelling, production, and technical craft:

• Non-Fiction — Breaking the Oil Chain
  Ari Ludkovski, Casey Engel, Michael Shinn, Kieran Learmonth

• Public Service Announcement (PSA) — A Breakup with Lawns
  Rocky Thoman(‘25), Sam Mitchell(‘25), Jonathan Harling(‘25)

• Commercial — NFHS Covering it ALL!
  Townes Widger, Stephen McElroy(‘25)

• Newscast — DPNews Live from Tampa Bay
  Natalee Zbinden(‘25), Alex Gardiner(‘25), Nathan Vincent(‘25), Sophia Pixley(‘25), Micah Barnhart, DPNews Staff

• Editor — Purpose in Every Frame
  Sophia Pixley(‘25)

• Talent — Purpose in Every Frame
  Sophia Pixley(‘25)

• Photographer — The Dark Watchers
  Evan Pinsker, Tyler McCutchen

• Photographer — Your Story Starts Here
  Alex Gardiner(‘25), Everett Womack, Sam Blakely(‘25), Abby Selzler, Selah Blackwell

• Director — STN Promo – So Much Drama
  Alex Gardiner(‘25), Everett Womack, Sam Blakely(‘25), Abby Selzler, Selah Blackwell

• Director — Your Story Starts Here
  Alex Gardiner(‘25), Everett Womack, Sam Blakely(‘25), Abby Selzler, Selah Blackwell

“This recognition at the regional Emmy level validates the real-world, industry-standard work our students are producing every day,” said DPNews adviser John Dent. “To see their storytelling compete, and win, at this level in the very first year high schools were eligible is incredibly meaningful.”

The inclusion of high school students in the NATAS Pacific Southwest awards represents a significant expansion of opportunities for emerging journalists and media creators, bridging the gap between scholastic media programs and professional industry standards.

DPNews co-adviser Doug Caines emphasized that the recognition is rooted in the program’s daily commitment to process and growth.

“The recognition is great, but it’s never been the goal. Our focus is always on the process. What matters most is how our students show up every day to collaborate, solve problems, and elevate their work,” said Caines. The fact that they were included in this competition for the first time and immediately performed at this level speaks volumes about their commitment. Being in Las Vegas and going up on stage ten times on their behalf was a powerful reminder that their work stands with the very best.”

With these wins, DPNews students now move on to the national Student Emmy® competition, where they will represent both their school and the Pacific Southwest region on a national stage.

“The success of our DPNews students at the student Emmys is a proud moment for Santa Barbara Unified. Earning these honors in their first year of eligibility proves that our students are not just meeting industry standards, they are setting them. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing students with the technical skills and creative confidence they need to succeed in the real world. I want to congratulate our talented students and their advisers,” said Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado.

For more information about the awards, visit the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Student Awards program.