From the Classroom to Centerstage

A journey from the quiet streets of Tuscaloosa to the glowing lights of the red carpet came to life for a remarkable group of students. The University of Alabama’s Center for Public Television received six nominations at the Southeast Emmys; an honor made more extraordinary by the fact that five of those projects were both produced and directed by students. It was a record-breaking achievement, marking the highest number of student-led nominations the university has ever celebrated in a single year.

For Kendra Zebroski, Mary Claire Vaughan, Layla Khan-Hickman, Gerald Crummie, Jocelyn Claborn, Jada Ceaser, Emily Rabbideau and Nicholas Lewis, June 14 held the promise of dreams realized as the award ceremony unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia.

This moment of recognition reflects more than just success in competition. It stands as a testament to the university’s enduring commitment to Curricular Practical Training, known as CPT. This program plays a vital role in shaping the academic experience at the University of Alabama by connecting classroom learning with professional application. At its core is storytelling, not only the ability to build a compelling narrative but also the skill to share it meaningfully with the world.

Woven into the fabric of these Emmy nominations is more than creative talent. They offer powerful proof of the value of experiential learning. The Center for Public Television has long exemplified how academic and industry partnerships can create opportunities for lasting impact. Within this environment, students are not merely given assignments; they are trusted with the responsibilities and expectations of working professionals. Each nomination represents countless hours of research, filming, interviewing, editing and above all, storytelling with purpose.

Among these exceptional students, one name stood out with a moment of distinction. Mary Claire Vaughan, the producer of Junkyard Bots, earned a Southeast Emmy for her outstanding work. Her victory was not only a personal milestone but also a historic first for the university. While students have been credited with Emmy-winning projects in the past, this marked the first time a project both produced and directed by a student team took home the award.

As a producer, Vaughan demonstrated exceptional technical skills, creative vision and a deep understanding of audience engagement. Junkyard Bots was more than a student project. It reflected the innovation, collaboration and storytelling excellence that the CPT program nurtures in its students every day.

The Southeast Emmys may have shone a spotlight on a single evening, but the recognition carries lasting significance. For the students, it affirms that their voices and perspectives matter in a competitive media landscape. For the faculty, it validates years of dedication to mentoring and building a program where hands-on experience is inseparable from academic learning. Looking ahead, these achievements stand as an invitation to future storytellers at the University of Alabama. The red carpet may roll up, the lights may dim, but the lessons of perseverance, creativity and professional excellence will continue to guide these students long after the final award is handed out.