Nominee's Station: WFLA

Nominee's Job/Role: Anchor

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: 31 years

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): Jennifer Leigh has dedicated 31 outstanding years of service to WFLA.

She joined WFLA in 1993 as an assignment editor, then worked her way up the producing ranks writing for a variety of newscasts.

In 1995 she helped open News Channel 8’s Polk County bureau and that's when her reporting career took off!

She was the Polk County bureau reporter for 20 years before she began full time, weeknight anchoring for the station.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: Jennifer Leigh is known for her charisma, quick wit, and most importantly, her generous heart. She goes above and beyond to help reporters in the field - whether it’s a ‘good job’ text message or a quick glance to improve a script, her words of wisdom are truly a gem and one of the many reasons why the WFLA newsroom is such a warm and welcoming place.

She goes and above and beyond to bring the newsroom together and makes sure others are celebrated during their major milestones.

From connecting new employees to the safest housing options during their transition, to giving a voice to the voiceless - Jennifer Leigh upholds the WFLA promise as an advocate to be ‘8 On Your Side’.

Her 31 year career at WFLA is outstanding and a telling sign of her commitment to the Tampa Bay region. What makes Jennifer so well-respected is the fact that she spent 20 years as the Polk County bureau reporter. She’s a hometown girl from Lakeland, and played an integral role in launching the bureau to make sure the area had the coverage it deserved.

From the moment the doors opened, her reporting career took off!

It was 1995 - when NBC’s primetime lineup took the nation by storm. The unwavering audience for ER, Seinfeld, and Friends paired well with the WFLA newscast right after. Her coverage captivated the audience, creating more loyal viewers in the process.

Jennifer goes the distance every day.

That was especially true when she launched the 7 p.m. newscast in 2012.

As a reporter in Lakeland, she was dedicated to making the one hour drive to the station, even if she had to battle traffic to get there.

However, going the extra mile was worth it because she was always ready for the camera by showtime.

The studio lights may be bright, but her presence at the station is even brighter. In fact, her light shines so bright that she’s made a lasting impression on the community. They know all too well that if Jennifer Leigh is in the anchor chair, she’ll be delivering Tampa Bay’s most pressing news with dignity and respect.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: Jennifer serves on the Board of Volunteer’s In Service to the Elderly (VISTE) which is a non-profit organization in her hometown of Lakeland.

Jennifer has also served as honorary chair of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year Campaign as well as the LLS Light the Night Walks in both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Jennifer is a fifth generation native Floridian who was born in Miami but grew up in Lakeland. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She is the oldest of seven children. She is married and lives in Tampa with her husband.

NAME OF NOMINEE: John Hoffman

Nominee's Station: WTVT

Nominee's Job/Role: News Director

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: 38

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): John Hoffman has dedicated nearly four decades to broadcast journalism, shaping the success and evolution of WTVT/FOX13. His career began in 1987 as an intern at the station during his senior year at the University of South Florida. Since then, he has grown within the newsroom, as a producer, executive producer, and ultimately serving as Vice President of News since 2010.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: John Hoffman’s impact extends far beyond his impressive tenure—his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity make him truly deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. He has spent his career fostering a newsroom culture built on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to serving the public. His dedication to his team is evident in the way he mentors young journalists, encourages innovation, and ensures the highest standards of reporting.

John’s influence is not just felt within the newsroom but throughout the Tampa Bay community. His leadership has helped shape coverage that informs, protects, and engages the public. His ability to navigate the ever-changing media landscape while keeping audience trust at the forefront is a testament to his professionalism and vision. His contributions have left a lasting mark on local journalism, inspiring both his colleagues and the next generation of broadcasters.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: With John retiring this year, his impact on every person in our newsroom has never been more evident. His mentorship, guidance, and exceptional news judgment have shaped generations of journalists, regardless of their role. As we prepare for his departure, it serves as a powerful reminder of how deeply respected and beloved he is at FOX13. His influence will be felt long after he leaves, a testament to the legacy he has built in Florida journalism.

NAME OF NOMINEE: Kellie Burns

Nominee's Station: WBBH-TV

Nominee's Job/Role: Anchor

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: 35 Years

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): Kellie Burns has been on the desk here in Southwest Florida for over three decades on WBBH-TV. She has been there through multiple hurricanes including the biggest of them all in SWFL when Hurricane Ian struck our coast and turned out to be the deadliest storm in Florida history. As the only TV station on the air after the storm she became one of the voices in the dark helping to lead our community out from under the wreckage.

She has been there for Hurricanes Irma and Charley which also created havoc for so many here on the Gulf Coast. Journalistically she has been among the leaders in our state. She has been recognized with awards from this great organization as well as being honored by NATAS with multiple EMMY awards. In addition she has been on the anchor desk as the station was awarded Best Newscast by RTDNA and presented with a National Edward R. Murrow Award.

Kellie joined the station in 1994 after working in upstate New York. She started here as a Collier County Bureau reporter and quickly worked her way up from reporter to weekend anchor and eventually main anchor on the evening newscasts.

During her time here she has covered the Olympics in Atlanta. Kellie went to Haiti to cover the devastating effects after an earthquake in 2010. Travelled to Cuba to cover the unrest following the death of Castro. She traveled to the Bahamas by boat following Hurricane Dorian to help take supplies to the islands. Kellie has also covered numerous Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

In short Kellie has been there for the first draft of history with the explosion of growth and development in Southwest Florida. She has been there for every major event over the past three decades.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: Kellie has been a leader in this newsroom for over three decades. She has been gracious with her time and efforts in numerous charitable causes through the years for our community. The number of events and money she has helped raise has been too numerous to count. Kellie has been a journalism leader in our community and has been the face of the station for decades. I can think of no one else in SWFL who is more deserving to be honored.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.:

NAME OF NOMINEE: Louis Aguirre

Nominee's Station: WPLG

Nominee's Job/Role: Anchor

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: 35 years

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): In September 2017, WPLG-Local 10 welcomed multiple Emmy-award winning journalist Louis Aguirre back home to South Florida and the Local 10 family. Louis co-anchors the station’s weekday 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. newscasts. He also anchors the 10 p.m. Local 10 newscast on WSFL.

On Earth Day 2021, Louis became WPLG Local 10’s Environmental Advocate and the face of a new station-wide campaign called Don’t Trash Our Treasure. A longtime and staunch defender of the planet, Louis brings awareness of environmental issues in South Florida with the purpose of seeking solutions. Louis has received numerous accolades for Don’t Trash Our Treasure, including four Emmy awards for environmental reporting, an Esserman-Knight Foundation Journalism award for the primetime series Saving Biscayne Bay and the “Good 2 Green” award from the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He’s also been recognized with a commendation from the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, a commendation from the City of Miami Beach for efforts involving International Coastal Cleanup Day and induction into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.

Beginning his television career at Telemundo in 1989, as a Spanish-language reporter, Louis eventually made the jump to Local 10 as a reporter and then weekend anchor. Louis worked at Local 10 from 1989 to 1992, during which time he became one of the few American journalists allowed into Cuba to cover the 30th anniversary of the Cuban missile crisis.

Louis would later spend 14 years at WSVN in Miami before relocating to Los Angeles in 2014 to anchor the nationally syndicated program “The Insider.”

Louis has worked for "Extra,” served as lead correspondent for "A Current Affair" and as co-host of "Fox and Friends.”

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: Louis has dedicated his life to journalism and raising awareness about the environment. Currently he is working as an anchor and environmental advocate spearheading the “Don’t trash our treasure segment.” It highlights issues like climate change, and eco warriors working to save the planet.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: Louis is what I call, the ‘salt of the Earth’ kind of guy. He is a hard worker who is selfless and always willing to give advice . I cannot think of someone more deserving.

NAME OF NOMINEE: Michael Williams

Nominee's Station: WPTV

Nominee's Job/Role: Anchor

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: 44

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): Before joining the NewsChannel 5 team in March 2011, Michael was the political reporter at WFOR in Miami. There, he covered both the 2008 and 2010 political campaigns, scoring one-on-one interviews with Barack Obama, John McCain and Charlie Crist, among others. He also produced two half-hour specials, “Dreams of the Galapagos” and “Dreams of the American West”, which were aimed at encouraging people to become more engaged in preserving our natural heritage.

From 2002-04, Michael was a Washington-based national correspondent for NBC NewsChannel, where he covered the build-up to the war in Iraq as well as the Columbia space shuttle tragedy. His beat also included Capitol Hill and the White House.

From 1984-2006, Michael covered just about every major story to hit the Miami area while working for WTVJ (NBC), and before that, WSVN (the Fox affiliate). This included the fall of Eastern Airlines, the visit to Miami of Pope John Paul II, Hurricane Andrew, the custody battle over Elian Gonzalez and the 2000 Florida presidential election controversy. Michael has overseas credentials as well having reported from South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba.

He is an eight-time Emmy award winner as well as a recipient of the prestigious duPont-Columbia Award for reporting he did in Haiti. In addition, Michael has been honored with the Silver Circle award from the Suncoast Chapter of NATAS (the Emmy organization) for more than 25 years of outstanding work in South Florida broadcasting.

Michael began his TV career up the road in Fort Pierce at WTVX. This is not his first time working for Scripps, as he spent two years as a reporter for Cincinnati station WCPO.

Michael is University of Florida graduate. He is married with three daughters.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: It is with great enthusiasm that we submit Michael Williams for consideration for the prestigious Legacy Award. With a distinguished career that spans over four decades, Michael has proven himself to be a pillar of journalism in Florida, leaving an indelible mark on both the industry and the community.

Michael's career began in 1984 when he covered major stories in the Miami area for WSVN and WTVJ, including the historic events surrounding Hurricane Andrew, the custody battle over Elian Gonzalez, and the 2000 Florida presidential election controversy. These moments defined both the state and the nation, and Michael's coverage of them solidified his reputation as a dedicated and reliable journalist.

His career further blossomed with his time as a Washington-based national correspondent for NBC NewsChannel from 2002-2004. Here, Michael reported on pivotal events, including the build-up to the war in Iraq and the Columbia space shuttle tragedy, showcasing his versatility and ability to cover both domestic and international affairs. He has also gained overseas credentials, reporting from South Africa, Panama, Colombia, Haiti, and Cuba—proving his global reach and commitment to important stories wherever they unfold.

Michael's time at WFOR in Miami further exemplifies his commitment to political reporting. He covered two major political campaigns, securing one-on-one interviews with political leaders like Barack Obama, John McCain, and Charlie Crist. His investigative work also led him to produce two documentaries aimed at encouraging greater environmental stewardship, demonstrating his belief in journalism's power to shape positive change.

Since joining NewsChannel 5 in 2011, Michael has continued his distinguished career, earning eight Emmy Awards and the prestigious duPont-Columbia Award for his outstanding reporting, including his impactful work in Haiti. These accolades serve as a testament to his tireless work ethic and excellence in the field of broadcast journalism.

Michael’s contributions extend beyond his on-air work. He has been recognized with the Silver Circle Award from the Suncoast Chapter of NATAS for over 25 years of excellence in broadcasting, a fitting tribute to his dedication to the profession and the community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is a proud University of Florida graduate and a devoted family man, married with three daughters. His work has inspired countless aspiring journalists, and his commitment to informing, educating, and engaging the public remains unmatched.

Given his outstanding career, transformative contributions to journalism in Florida, and enduring legacy of excellence, Michael Williams is more than deserving of the Legacy Award. His work continues to inspire and impact the lives of Floridians, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: See supplemental email that we will send to below address that includes testimonials about Michael Williams

These clips are to go along with the Michael Williams Legacy Award entry.  Our staff is passionate about nominating him for this honor.

https://youtu.be/4_XfyOG84Ns

NAME OF NOMINEE: Sandra Averhart

Nominee's Station: WUWF

Nominee's Job/Role: Senior Producer/Past Host, Morning Edition

Approximately how long has the Nominee been in Broadcast Journalism?: More than 40 years

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, stations of employment, and marquee story assignments): Sandra Averhart, a native of Pensacola, Florida, has dedicated more than four decades to the field of broadcasting, significantly contributing to public radio in the region. She began her career at Pensacola's WOWW107-FM, where she worked for 11 years, honing her skills and establishing a foundation in radio journalism.

In 1996, Averhart joined WUWF, the public media affiliate of the University of West Florida, as News Director. Over the years, she has taken on multiple roles, including serving as the Morning Edition Host and Senior Producer. Her tenure at WUWF has been marked by a commitment to delivering in-depth news coverage and engaging storytelling.

Throughout her career, Averhart has covered a wide array of significant stories chronicling every aspect of Northwest Florida, including many community milestones (and hurricanes). Notably, she reported on the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, detailing its impact on Pensacola and the subsequent efforts to rebuild the community. Her reporting has provided listeners with insightful perspectives on local events and issues.

Beyond her reporting duties, Averhart has contributed to various programs and initiatives. She co-hosted "Inside UWF" on WUWF TV and partnered with WSRE TV to co-host the "Rally" candidate forums, facilitating informed political discourse in the community. Additionally, she has lent her voice as a public address announcer for the University of West Florida's athletics program, covering men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and softball games, including four NCAA Division II national championships.

Sandra Averhart's enduring dedication to public radio and her community has made her a respected figure in Pensacola's media landscape.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ Legacy Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: Sandra Averhart's distinguished career in public radio and her unwavering commitment to community engagement make her a deserving recipient of the FABJ Legacy Award. Throughout her tenure as News Director at WUWF since 1996, Sandra has exemplified leadership and mentorship, guiding numerous journalists into the profession. Her patience and dedication have been instrumental in helping others grasp the nuances of production and storytelling, fostering a culture of excellence within the newsroom.

Sandra's generosity with her time and insights is evident in her collaborative projects aimed at enhancing public understanding of history and archaeology. Notably, she co-produced "Unearthing Florida," a public radio program that delved into the state's rich archaeological heritage, bringing scholarly insights to a broad audience.

For decades, Sandra served as the host of Morning Edition, providing a stable and reliable presence that listeners depended on for their morning news. Her consistent delivery and trustworthy reporting have been a cornerstone of WUWF's programming, earning her the respect and trust of the community.

Beyond the studio, Sandra's involvement in the community is extensive. She has partnered with WSRE TV to co-host "Rally" candidate forums, facilitating informed political discourse. Additionally, she lends her voice to the University of West Florida's athletics program as a public address announcer for various sports, including men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and softball, contributing to the vibrancy of local sports culture.

Sandra's personal attributes—her patience, dedication, and generosity—combined with her professional achievements and community involvement, exemplify the qualities honored by the FABJ Legacy Award. Her enduring impact on journalism and the Pensacola community stands as a testament to her exceptional career.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.:

Current College/University Grade Level: Sophomore

College/University You Attend: University of South Florida

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): My Broadcast/Journalism experience dates back to my junior year of High School. I worked with my school’s video production program to call, produce, and direct our live sports broadcasts and daily news shows. In my senior year of High School, I started working for QwikCut Video and Analytics as a Play-by-Play Broadcaster. As I have been working with QwikCut and fellow broadcaster Bobby Allen, we have improved our productions and are now the QwikCut Sports Network. During my freshman year of College, I attended Valdosta State University where I also worked for Blazer Sports Media broadcasting every home athletic event. Later that year I would work my biggest event to date as a producer for the NFCA Leadoff Classic on the MLB Network. Now in my sophomore year at the University of South Florida, I have just been selected to enter the Gemstone Media Internship program which produces USF Athletics on ESPN+.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My biggest goal is to become a Play-by-Play Broadcaster for a large network like ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC. I am also well versed in the production room. If I do not become a broadcaster I aspire to be a producer or director for live sports broadcasts.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: Ever since I was young, I have been involved in sports. My favorite sport was always football, and I started playing when I was 8 years old. During my playing career, I fell in love with the game and found a true passion for sports. During my senior football season, I suffered an injury that ultimately led to my retirement from the sport. At the time my head coach was also the video productions teacher at my high school and introduced me to broadcasting when I was injured. I finished out the rest of the season calling and broadcasting my team's games and fell in love with broadcast. I want a career in broadcast because it allows me to stay involved and connected with the game that I can no longer play.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: The most important lesson I’ve learned so far in my work is to be ready and open to anything. In broadcast, there are a lot of things that could go wrong at any time. Whether it be equipment, venue, or schedule issues, you always have to be prepared for something to go wrong. I have had multiple experiences where things did not go according to plan. With proper preparation and quick thinking, I was able to resolve the issues and continue with the show. Being open to advice and tips has helped me drastically in my young career. I have spoken to many professionals during events and always ask for advice. Taking and implementing this advice has improved myself as a broadcaster and has improved our productions as a whole.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I am already trying to give back to my community. I have taken a few visits to my high school to help with their video program and inspire the next generation of student broadcasters. Through my company I have provided broadcast opportunities to fellow classmates who are looking to get into the field.

Current College/University Grade Level: Senior

College/University You Attend: University of Florida

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): My current experience is as a reporter, producer, host and editor with WUFT FM. I have also worked with ESPN Gainesville as a writer and producer. I was also a radio news intern with WUSF Public Media this past summer.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My goal is to work in audio in some capacity. I love public radio and would love to stick with that. My dream is to be a Middle East correspondent.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I think that public radio is the best news source, both because it is publically funded and accessible to everyone. I want to be part of that mission or reliable, accessible, unbiased journalism that public media and radio preach.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: I have learned so many lessons, but the most important one is that I need to embrace change. When my biggest mentor at UF, Ryan Vasquez, left for a better opportunity, I felt scared and that I would not be able to get the guidance I needed. However, I embraced change and did everything I could to create a strong relationship with the next audio news manager. We have a great relationship, and he is now also a huge mentor for me.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I have a huge interest in transportation and would love to one day do a big project on the state of public transportation in Florida and the gaps that need to be filled.

Letters of Recommendation

Current College/University Grade Level: Senior

College/University You Attend: Florida State University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): I have been involved in journalism for as long as I can remember. Since I was a freshman in high school to a senior in college I have participated in various journalism programs and courses. From the moment I joined my high school yearbook club, I threw away my dream of being an elementary school teacher to pursuing a life that revolved around story-telling. I worked on many Calibre award winning yearbooks as well as mini magazines that highlighted overlooked students who had just an important say in their talents as the star football players. Once I graduated and committed to Florida State University I continued my journalistic career path by joining their media and communications major. Throughout the last few years I have deepened my appreciation for reporting and anchoring. I joined Shawn Davison's introduction to television and hosting course and immediately felt like I belonged. In that moment I was no longer "floating" around my major, I found my calling. In the course I learned the basics of interviewing, script writing, camera work, editing, and most importantly reporter integrity. From these skills I started creating and producing my news stories and videos. At the end of the semester I was selected to be a main anchor FSU's Seminole Showcase production. I loved the class so much, I was then chosen to be the teacher assistant of it the following semester. Since that was just the beginning, I moved up to the advanced feature reporting class. In this course I developed more reporting and story-telling skills. I was able to explore an even more creative side to journalism; and ended up winning 3 awards for best on camera performance, best script writing, and most improved. Besides television reporting, I wanted to explore other media outlets and platforms. I was offered a year round radio broadcasting internship with WFVS Tallahassee. Every Tuesday morning live, I would air breaking new stories on an international, national, state-wide, and local level. Every month I participated in the Vox Populi radio shows where I wrote, recorded, and broadcasted my own original stories. Lastly, this semester I was chosen to intern with Don Yaeger on his Corporate Competitor Podcast. This is such an amazing opportunity because Don interviews the best of the best in the business and athletic world. My job is to perform long-term research and interviewing on his weekly special guests. Don is all about capturing motivating and life changing stories. I am so excited to start and see where this connection leads me to for my future career in journalism.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: Throughout my experience thus far in journalism, I have developed various ambitions that drive me to work hard and do the best I can in everything I do. I am unbelievably passionate in story telling, whether it is uncovering the truth, connecting with an audience in ways not done before, or bringing important issues/individuals to light. The areas of this field that excite me the most is human interest stories and entertainment. I aspire to become a television personality whether it is from reporting, anchoring, or hosting. I want to leave a lasting impact on the world, whether it is through impactful stories or inspiring change.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I would love to have a career in broadcast journalism because since I was 15 years old it is one of the driving forces in my life to get up and be better. The dream of inspiring audiences and connecting people through my work means everything to me. I thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work field where creativity flourishes. I want to shed light on important issues in today's world and amplify underrepresented voices. My experiences at FSU has allowed me to collaborate with wonderful individuals to create impactful content. The internships and positions I have been offered have solidified my passion for this career and have strengthened my skills in communication and beyond.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: The most important lesson I've learned as a student journalist is everyone has a story to tell. From my journalistic experiences as a teenager in yearbook to a young woman at Florida State University, I have gained a greater understanding and appreciation of narration and reporting. Detailed interviewing, in my opinion, is one of the most important skills one can learn for this field. When you sit someone down and say "Hey, I want to know about you, learn about you..." their face almost every time lights up. People love when others make them feel seen and heard, and that is my favorite part of the job. This has taught me the importance of empathy in journalism. It's not just about reporting the facts it's also about connecting with others and giving their voice a platform.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I am so excited and grateful to be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. The funds from this award would help personally fund my broadcasting degree and future. Since I was a freshman in college, I have been financially independent from my parents due to their own financial hardships. After my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I have learned the importance of never taking life for granted. Everything I do in this field is to make her proud. My motivation to succeed has always be internally driven and with the help of FABJ I can make my dreams become a reality. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!

Letters of Recommendation

Current College/University Grade Level: Junior

College/University You Attend: Florida International University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): As of now I am only studying in journalism while working on small personal pieces during my free time. In the past, I used to be on the Miami Beach Senior High School news team creating and submitting weekly stories.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My ambitions in Broadcast journalism is to work as a war correspondent or as an investigative journalist in an independent company, or possibly my own. Particularly covering cartel activity in Columbia and Mexico or covering wars like the Ukraine war.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: Compared to many other jobs, broadcast journalism requires people to go out of their comfort zone, and I find myself unable to be chained to a desk day in day out. I get to meet people, learn about the world around me, and most importantly I get to see events first hand. Outside of propaganda and censorship.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: The rules of Journalism exist in order for fair and accurate news stories to exist. The second one of those rules are broken all of you work comes into question.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I'm obsessed with anything retro and vintage. Outside of the hard hitting news stories I want to make small documentaries detailing the history of old and outdated cars, toys, tech, and fashion.

Current College/University Grade Level: Senior

College/University You Attend: Florida International University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): Since January 2023, when I transferred from Broward College to Florida International University, my journalism journey has been both enriching and transformative. At FIU, I fully immersed myself in broadcasting courses, marking the true beginning of my hands-on experience in the field. I have been an active member of Caplin News, the university's news channel, for a year now. This program has been instrumental in my growth, providing me with invaluable knowledge and experience. I can confidently say that it has shaped me as a journalist, enabling me to successfully complete numerous assignments and pursue competitive internships.
One of the most impactful experiences of my career so far has been my internship at WPLG Local 10 News. During my time there, I not only acquired new skills but also experienced significant personal and professional growth. I have become more confident in every aspect of journalism—writing, editing, filming, reporting, and anchoring. This hands-on opportunity allowed me to fully embrace the role of a multimedia journalist, solidifying my passion for the profession. This internship reaffirmed that this is exactly where I belong.
Beyond my internships, my coursework at FIU has given me the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, further honing my skills. I have produced a documentary on water pollution in South Florida, created numerous news packages, recorded podcast episodes, and developed a photo essay story. However, the project I am most proud of is an article I wrote about a young man on the autism spectrum, sharing his inspiring journey. This piece was published in The Miami Herald, making it a milestone in my early journalism career and a memory I will cherish forever.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My ambition in broadcast journalism is to establish myself in the world I am most passionate about—entertainment journalism. I have a deep love for movies, actors, and storytelling, and nothing fulfills me more than bringing joy to people and entertaining them. However, I also aspire to cover general news, particularly politics, as I am deeply interested in understanding and analyzing the political landscape. I believe that a well-rounded journalist—one who is knowledgeable about a wide range of topics—is an exceptional journalist, and that is exactly who I strive to become.
My goal is not only to inform audiences across the country and around the world but also to inspire, connect, and make a meaningful impact. I want to tell stories that touch people’s hearts, spark important conversations, and bring about positive change. This career path is more than just a profession for me—it is a lifelong dream that I have been working toward since I was a child. The fact that I am actively making it a reality, step by step, fuels my determination to keep growing and striving for more.
As someone who came to this country with an American dream, I am fully committed to making the most of this opportunity. My ultimate ambition as a journalist is simple yet profound: to inform, uplift, entertain, and make a difference. Whether through hard news or entertainment stories, I want to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives—and I know that journalism is the path that will allow me to do just that.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I want a career in broadcast journalism because, above all, my dream is to make a difference in the world. The idea that I can achieve this through storytelling fills me with excitement and purpose. I have the opportunity to give a voice to those who may not know how to share their stories, shedding light on important issues and experiences that deserve to be heard. The fact that I can help others through journalism is what truly drives me, reaffirming that there is nothing else I would rather do.
This profession is unique and extraordinary to me. Journalism is a field of constant learning, and that is something I deeply value. A journalist never stops growing, adapting, and expanding their knowledge, and I want to embrace that fully. The more I understand the world, the better I can serve others. My goal is to build a connection of trust with my audience, ensuring they see me as a reliable source of truth and information. Journalism, at its core, is about honesty, integrity, and service to the people.
Just as doctors, lawyers, and engineers are essential to society, so are journalists. We are the voice of the people, committed to speaking up when others cannot. We take on the responsibility of uncovering the truth and delivering it with accuracy and fairness. This is what I have chosen to dedicate my life to—informing, uplifting, and making an impact. I want my career in journalism to be my lasting achievement, the mark I leave on this world.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: The most important lesson I have learned so far as a student journalist is that this career is not only highly competitivebut also filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, I welcome these obstacles because I truly believe this is what I am meant to do. In journalism, as in life, things do not always go as expected, and I have learned to accept that. If something does not work out, I trust that it is for a reason. I firmly believe that what is meant for you will find its way to you, no matter what.
Rejection is a reality in any field, and journalism is no exception. There will be moments when opportunities do not come my way, but I have learned that setbacks are not failures—they are lessons. Instead of viewing rejection as a defeat, I see it as a chance to grow, adapt, and improve. The key to success, in my opinion, is not avoiding failure but learning to rise after every fall. Life is not meant to be easy, and that is what makes it meaningful. Challenges shape us into the individuals we are meant to become, and I now embrace them rather than fear them.
This mindset shift has been especially important for me as an immigrant, where the journey has not always been easy. But in reality, what in life truly is? As long as I believe in myself, keep working hard, and never give up, I know that when the time is right, everything will fall into place. The only thing within my control is my growth, dedication, and resilience. My focus remains on becoming the best journalist I can be and continuing to pursue the goals that inspire me to wake up every morning and keep striving for more.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: Dear Board, First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to review my application. It is truly a privilege to even have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I would like to share a little about my journey before submitting my application. I came to the United States at just 11 years old, without knowing a single word of English. As you can imagine, the transition was challenging, and while I know I am not alone in this experience, I always mention it because it has been a defining part of who I am today. I do not share this for sympathy, but rather to highlight my determination and resilience. If I could tell my younger self that one day she would be on the path to becoming a journalist—someone whose career is built on the power of words—I know she would be in awe. I am applying for this scholarship because it would help me seize an incredible opportunity—an internship to report in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, due to my immigration status, I am ineligible for school-funded assistance. However, I do not see this as a setback but rather as a challenge—one that I am willing to take on to prove how much I want this opportunity. Reporting from Washington, D.C., on political issues would be an incredible honor for me. Ever since I arrived in this country, I have been determined to learn everything about it, understand its systems, and respect it as a future citizen. The chance to be in the very place where policies and decisions are made only deepens my passion and commitment to this field. I want to be a living testament that dreams are not just dreams when you put your heart and effort into them. I came to this country with nothing, but I want to leave a lasting impact—one that proves perseverance, hard work, and passion can turn dreams into reality. By awarding me this scholarship, you would not only be helping the 20-year-old me who is fighting for this opportunity, but also the 11-year-old girl who once believed this dream was impossible—and, most importantly, my family, who has supported me every step of the way. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Letters of Recommendation

Current College/University Grade Level: Sophomore

College/University You Attend: Florida State University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): My current and past journalism experience includes working at the local FSU radio station, called V89 Radio. With this station, I am able to attend sporting events and write articles following the games. I have been able to have my articles published on our V89 Radio Station Website for all to read. I also had the oppurtunity to be apart of a Reporting class where I created 2 features regarding FSU Topics. One included Chi Omega and their philanthropy with Make A Wish. My other one included Women in Sports Media and featured many important women on campus who are participating in sports media, which is very important to me.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My broadcast journalism amibitions include working for ESPN as a Sideline Reporter. I have always looked up to Erin Andrews, and would love to be reporting sideline one day as well. I also hope that I can positively influence younger women to work for what they want, not matter the field and show them that no job is too big.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I want a career in broadcast journalism in sports because sports have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, the fields were my second home and something that I looked forward too. I feel that broadcast journalism is the career that I am meant to be apart of, and will not stop until I reach my goal and beyond.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: The most important lesson I have learned thus far as a student journalist is the important of learning along the way. Beginning my journey as an 18 year old, can seem very intimiating. However, along the way I have learned that the only way to learn new things, is to just try it. The worst that can happen is you try your best and realize that it is not for you. This has taught my self discipline and to be proud of the accomplishments I have made along the way.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I have attatched the links from some of my work! I hope you enjoy, and Go Noles!

Lower on this page includes my article from Women's Volleyball and Women's Soccer: https://v89sports.wordpress.com/page/3/ 
Chi Omega and Make A Wish Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSXrGGs-_ss 
Women in Sports Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=purM6f2jMVA

Current College/University Grade Level: Senior

College/University You Attend: University of Central Florida

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): College Experience: I have been a reporter with UCF's The Charge since 2023. I was selected as one of the political reporters for the 2024 election cycle where I covered the voting habits of students and how issues around amendments were being discussed on campus. I am also on the board of the student chapter of the NAHJ where I served as webcast coordinator in 2023 and am the current secretary.

Internships: In the summers of 2023 and 2024, I was an intern at Watermark Out News (then Watermark Publishing). I covered a range of topics from lifestyle events in the LGBTQ+ community to reporting on how legislative decisions around the banning of LGBTQ+ topics in schools and limitations on trans health-care affected the community.
I was also the special projects/politics intern at WESH 2 during the 2024 election cycle. I mainly aided in production and publishing the mini-debate series for the Commitment 2024 segment during the primary and general sessions. I also focused on creating political social media videos and turned packages for the social feeds around political events such as when Doug Emhoff spoke in the Villages.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: Since transitioning from print to broadcast, I have enjoyed producing content which is the route I would like to take my career. I have learned so much from writing scripts, developing story ideas, aiding in editing and video production, to field producing. Everyday is a new puzzle to solve which has been a major benefit to my cognitive style.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: The variety in how broadcast can be utilized is so wide which is what appeals to me. Content produced for television or social media can be the same story and yet provide different information that still gives a full story. Despite topics of journalism dying, I think that journalism as we know it is evolving and broadcast is in the easiest position to adapt and thrive.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: To adapt quickly and efficiently. It is important to be able to know how to react when there is breaking news or new information in a developing story leads to a different understanding or angle. I have learned to not get stuck in my thought process but to be open and receptive to all information to make the best decision I can make in that instant and pivot if I need to.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I have a bachelor's degree in dramatic writing from the Savannah College or Art and Design where my poetry was published in their literary journal and I co-wrote an animated film produced by the school.

Letters of Recommendation

Current College/University Grade Level: Senior

College/University You Attend: Florida Atlantic University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): My experience started as a media relations personnel for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers from 2013 - 2015; at Florida Atlantic University, I am part of Owl TV and Owl Radio, which is student-run and have covered a variety of sports and events from 2023-2025, the experience also includes covering professional sports teams, I had an internship with ESPN West Palm in 2023 for sales in sports, and my most recent internship with CBS Miami in sports production and reporting (school credit) in 2024.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions:: My ambitions are to experience the best stories and be one of the best storytellers in reporting. I also want to inspire students to understand the importance of broadcast journalism and inspire fellow upcoming Hispanic journalists. I have plans set for after my graduation to make this possible with the recent opportunities, all while helping my university grow its media broadcast department.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I was inspired to take this field by my grandfather, a well-known public speaker in Colombia, and his storytelling made stories come to life. I was able to attend his final public speaking event before he passed away; although I did not speak fluent Spanish, I was mesmerized by how he could communicate with people. I take joy and pride in being able to do the same. I love to hear other people's stories they want to share, and I find happiness in being able to share stories as well. As a student reporter, I have met many wonderful people and experienced life in a way I never thought possible.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: One of the most important lessons I learned as a student journalist is connecting authentically with others so every story feels organic.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?: I am student born and raised in Florida, I take pride in my work and I am also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalist.

Letters of Recommendation

Current College/University Grade Level: Sophomore

College/University You Attend: Nova Southeastern University

Describe your current and past journalism experience (Including College Experiences and Internships): I am currently working for Mako Television as NSU's Mako Media Network. I am this branch's reporter, producer, and social media manager.

Describe your broadcast journalism ambitions: I want to move forward and become a producer and director at a TV station or film studio.

Why do you want a career in broadcast journalism?: I would like to work as a TV producer and photographer in broadcast journalism or the film industry.

What is the most important lesson you've learned thus far as a student journalist?: I have learned the importance of getting the proper information on situations and telling the whole truth. Facts are the most important aspect of the story for not only the readers but for the subject of the story.

EXTRA EXTRA: Anything else you would like to share with the FABJ Board about yourself?:

NAME OF NOMINEE: Alicia Coleman

Nominee's College or University: University of Florida

Nominee's Job/Role: Associate In (Faculty, TV News)

Approximately how long has the Nominee been a teacher/mentor/adviser?: 8 years

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, college/universities of employment, and outstanding accomplishments): Alicia Coleman is an experienced broadcast journalist and educator with more than seven years of experience in TV newsrooms and eight years educating aspiring journalists.

Since 2017, Coleman has taught journalism, ethics and integrity at Bethune Cookman University, Valdosta State University and South Carolina State University. She has taught students on how to communicate effectively for television, web and social media and assisted students in developing clear and concise storytelling with an emphasis on writing for broadcast news.

Prior to joining academia, Coleman was the 11 p.m. show producer for WJAX/WFOX Action News in Jacksonville. As show producer, she built and organized daily newscasts, developed voiceovers, sound bites and packages into broadcast and suggested graphics to support it, collaborated with anchors, reporters and news managers on content during daily editorial meetings, and executed time-sensitive decisions while overseeing daily live broadcasts.

Previously she was a reporter/producer at WCJB TV 20 in Gainesville, Florida, and KWES-TV Newswest 9 in Midland, Texas.

Coleman was a 2017 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards’ nominee in 2017 and in 2016 she received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall News Excellence.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ College Teacher of the Year Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: Dear Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Board:

There are many wonderful journalism and communication scholars and teachers at Florida’s colleges and universities. This is critical given the precarious state of our industry. Many educators are spending their energy investing building and growing the next generation of journalists that will carry the industry forward. But, there is one educator that rises above others in terms of achievement during her short tenure at the University of Florida. Alicia Coleman is an Assistant In Television News, serving as a member of the Innovation News Center faculty at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. Professor Coleman continues to push our news product forward as one of the most accomplished programs in America. Content under her supervision has won multiple state and national awards during the last two years. She is helping WUFT-TV student journalists serve the North Central Florida community in ways only a select few programs in America are successfully doing.

Professor Coleman started her tenure at the University of Florida in August of 2023. She had previously served at Bethune Cookman College, Valdosta State University, and South Carolina State University. In less than two academic years, she has successfully rebuilt the news producing specialization in the CJC. Previously, the numbers were so low our program struggled to find five producers to oversee our live newscast. She has attracted a number of students to this particular opportunity and her enrollment has doubled and tripled in just a few semesters. She also successfully redesigned the Advanced Producing course, adding an experiential and classroom component to make sure students are more ready to enter industry as a news producer than ever before.

As a result of growing interest, Alicia Coleman was instrumental in helping WUFT-TV launch WUFT Midday. This live noon newscast on WRUF-TV reaching Alachua and Marion Counties allows more students a chance to produce, report, anchor, and utilize newscast automated technology from the control room. Our program is now one of a very, very select few that broadcast two live newscasts per day.

Our flagship newscast remains First at Five, a live 5pm newscast reaching more than 15 Florida counties on WUFT-TV. Upon Alicia’s arrival, she helped redesign the newscast to quicken the pace, boost story counts, and inject more live shots into the product. FABJ honored our student work under Professor Coleman’s supervision by naming First at Five the Best Newscast (college). The first place and honorable mention College News Producer Awards were presented to two of our students advised by Professor Coleman. This year, she has advised students earning national honors. While it will not be announced until February, WUFT-TV’s First at Five has been named Best Student TV Newscast in the international competition by the Broadcast Education Association. This would not be possible without Professor Coleman’s hard work.

This year, several news stories challenged journalists across the state. Three hurricanes and an historic election kept us extremely busy. WUFT-TV’s efforts were the most extensive in the station’s history. Professor Coleman led a team of student journalists and embedded in the Innovation News Center during both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Student journalists produced cut-ins and special newscasts spanning 12 hours before, during, and immediately following the storm. Professor Coleman led an even more robust coverage plan during Hurricane Milton. This time, student journalists at WUFT-TV created newscast cut-ins and special newscasts spanning 16 hours. This work placed 2nd in TV Special Event Coverage category from Broadcast Education Association’s international competition.

Election 2024 featured another round of robust coverage on WUFT-TV. Professor Coleman oversaw three continuous hours on Election Night. The coverage she advised featured seven live shots crews fanned out across our region. There were an additional five in-house reporters, a half dozen anchors, and another half dozen producers. The continuous coverage also featured in-studio guests and live field interviews with elected politicians.

It is my pleasure to highlight the work of Professor Alicia Coleman. She has worked to enhance the product and capture the respect of our student journalists in a short period of time. She puts in countless hours to help our students stand out and has done so on a national and international level. This is why I give Professor Alicia Coleman the highest recommendation possible for FABJ’s Teacher of the Year Award.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: Best Newscast BEA entry 10-8-24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27qNWDo7b6c&t=1s

Highlights of Hurricane Milton Coverage: https://youtu.be/6g0RiGImoUU

Election Night highlights: https://youtu.be/dwbyKK4m0vs

NAME OF NOMINEE: Katie Coronado

Nominee's College or University: University of Central Florida

Nominee's Job/Role: Associate Instructor, Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Approximately how long has the Nominee been a teacher/mentor/adviser?: She has been teaching at UCF for over 13 years. Coronado has been the advisor for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) student chapter at UCF for nine years.

Please highlight Nominee's biography (Include years of service, college/universities of employment, and outstanding accomplishments): Her area of specialization is in broadcast journalism with a focus on Hispanic media. She currently teaches news writing, Hispanic Media-related courses, as well as on-air delivery.
Coronado launched the university’s first Spanish-language skills course, Knightly Latino, which offers students an outlet to cover issues of interest to the Latino community in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
She created the Hispanics in the Media in the U.S. course which examines the history and growth of Hispanics/Latinos in U.S. media. (See article about the course Class Spotlight: https://www.ucf.edu/news/class-spotlight-hispanics-in-the-media-in-the-u-s/.
Coronado also developed the Hispanic/Latino Media Certificate which provides students in media-related fields training in how to serve diverse audiences. The program allows students to demonstrate their conceptual and applied knowledge about the role of Hispanic/Latino media and how it impacts a growing multicultural environment.
Additionally, Coronado is co-editor and author of the first academic textbook about Hispanics in Media in the U.S. titled: LatinX Voices, Hispanics in Media in the U.S. which is now available to universities through Routledge publishing https://www.routledge.com/LatinX-Voices-Hispanics-in-Media-in-the-US/Coronado-Kight/p/book/9781138240308?srsltid=AfmBOoqaCD0_JOgAyCCfPv045f5tpGhMtoB81ye42hfPvgBmnhX4pu6s
One of her most impactful accomplishments in academia, was to lead a group of student journalists to Cuba to produce a multi-media project in collaboration with students at the University of Cienfuegos.

TELL US WHY: Please describe why the Nominee is deserving of the FABJ College Teacher of the Year Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community.: It is my pleasure to nominate Katie Coronado for the FABJ College Teacher of the Year Award as she is committed to her students, teaching fair, balanced and ethical journalism. In addition to her teaching, she goes above and beyond in her involvement and service to the University and the community.

Knightly Latino: This course she teaches focuses on the production of a website targeting the campus Hispanic/Latinx community, both in English and Spanish. Daily newsgathering and production decisions are conducted by students under the advisement of the instructors functioning as news directors. Not only does the course prepare students to be able to walk into a broadcast newsroom and contribute in both English and/or Spanish but also provides news and information that people in the community care about.
The students have been recipients of Associated Press Awards for their work under Coronado’s supervision.

PODCAST: The Charge Latino's Voices: Coronado is the faculty advisor (see sample student work) https://www.nicholsonstudentmedia.com/charge_latino/podcast-the-charge-latinos-voices/article_028370cc-b343-11ef-9427-17f480e711a6.html

National Association of Hispanic Journalism (NAHJ): Coronado has been the advisor for the student chapter at UCF for nine years. This past July she led a group of nine students to the NAHJ conference in Los Angeles (see article: https://sciences.ucf.edu/news/ucf-students-shine-at-prestigious-nahj-conference-in-los-angeles/). Students gained valuable experience and knowledge through workshops, interacted with recruiters and industry professionals.

Her impact goes even beyond the University and local community, as her research and work have had an impact internationally as well.
Global Perspectives: Coronado is the co-host of the Central Florida PBS affiliate program about international topics, Global Perspectives.

Her interests include researching the current state of media in Cuba and Latin America.
Cuba Study Abroad: In addition to providing workshops to faculty at the University of Cienfuegos, she also led a study abroad trip for UCF journalism students to produce a group multimedia project with students from the University of Cienfuegos in Cuba.
(see article) https://communication.ucf.edu/knightly-latino-takes-cuba/
Documentary created by UCF and University of Cienfuegos students: https://youtu.be/02NG0lBClSk?si=UYtA5d5ClWDXW7VW

Global Impact: Her career has led her to conduct free speech and free press workshops in Cuba, Egypt, and Vietnam. Coronado has also been the keynote speaker at journalism conferences in Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Spain. Most recently, her philanthropy work led her to establish a "Reading Technology Lab" for children in Brazil.

EXTRA EXTRA: Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: Coronado is a dedicated, hard-working instructor who enjoys teaching and helping her students acquire the hands-on experience that will make them more marketable upon graduation. Her students say she gives them tough love, but know it helps them with their media careers.
The projects she assigns to her students are meant to bring awareness and/or benefit the community, as well as provide portfolio pieces they can share with potential employers as they enter the workforce. Newsrooms throughout Florida and beyond are filled with former students who stay in touch with her and continue to pay it forward.
Her enthusiasm in the classroom, and ability to provide unique co-curricular opportunities (as sited above), make her an excellent candidate for the NAHJ Teacher of the Year Award.

Name of NOMINEE: Steve Kairalla

Name of NOMINEE's College or University: FIU

NOMINEE's Job/Role: Professor/Faculty Producer - Newsbreak for Caplin News/FIU

How long has the NOMINEE been a teacher/mentor/advisor?: Five years

Tell us about the NOMINEE (biography):: Steve attended the University of Miami then worked at small stations before spending 20 years as a producer at WSVN Channel 7.

Tell us why the NOMINEE is deserving of the FABJ College Teacher of the Year Award. This should include personal attributes in the workplace and community. : He invented our daily mnews show, Newsbreak, has taught at FIU for a half decade and has helped place about 40 students in jobs throughout the nation.

Feel free to share any other insight about your nomination.: He is one of identical twins, a former UM cheerleader, and a stellar shaper of young minds.