SRL All-Stars

Honeykein Lagran

Honeykein is an eight grader at Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului, Hawaii.

“Honeykein Lagran is as unique and special as her name. She moved to Maui from the Philippines just three years ago. Speaking very little English, Honeykein has managed to not only catch up to her classmates, but to surpass them in creativity, work ethic and even language.” - Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate.

To watch Honeykein’s nomination video click here.

Andrew Sokolowski

Andrew is a rising senior at Fraser High School in Fraser, Mich.

“Andrew pushes himself and others towards excellence. He is caring and considerate in his work ethic and how he deals with others. He is one of the rare students I trust blindly to represent me, the school, our program and the district.” - James Flanagan, Fraser High School.

To watch Andrew’s nomination video click here.

Kennedy Huff

Kennedy is a junior at Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas. She is the news editor of the Panther Prowler, Pflugerville’s student newspaper. She is also a member of the student broadcast staff and a participant in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs after-school club. She models herself after Lisa Ling and Oprah Winfrey and aspires to one day host her own network show.

“I will never forget the first conversation that Kennedy and I had about her interest in journalism. “It’s my life,” she told me, without hesitation. Rare is the high school junior who knows what she wants to do with her life. Even more rare, in my experience at least, is that high schooler who is genuinely passionate about journalism. Passionate enough to study it, practice it. Passionate enough to make a career of it. I’ve never taught a student who is as zealous about journalism as Kennedy; it truly is her passion, and her future profession.” - David Robb, Pflugerville High School.

To watch Kennedy’s nomination video click here.

Meri DeMarois

Meri is a senior at Sentinel High School in Missoula, Mont.

“Her combination of amazing talent, great humility and unwavering desire to improve and succeed explains why Meri is one of the most promising young journalists of her generation.” - Jennifer Keintz, Sentinel High School.

To watch Meri’s nomination video click here.

Sophie Sabin

Sophie is an eighth grader at Philip’s Academy Charter School in Newark, N.J. An honor roll student and star reporter for Student Reporting Labs, she is also a senior assistant editor, reporter and anchor for the school’s in-house weekly broadcast, “News You Can Use.” In addition, Sophie participates in the school’s fiber arts program and tutors fellow students in math. She was born in Haiti and moved to the United States with her family when she was three years old and currently lives in East Orange, N.J.

“Sophie Sabin is one of those students, who come along only once every decade, whom one could truly imagine, despite a disadvantaged childhood in Newark, someday being elected President of the United States.” - Sara Mosle, Philip’s Academy Charter School.

To watch Sophie’s nomination video click here.

McKenna Rae Cieslak

McKenna is a rising senior at Fort Mill High School. She has been involved in the television production program for two years and is excited to be a BuzzTV staff member in August. Along with TV class, McKenna is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and the yearbook staff. She is also involved in a variety of clubs and organizations in and outside of school. After high school graduation, McKenna plans on attending USC and majoring in Media Arts. Her future plans include being a guest in your living room every morning as the host of ‘Good Morning America’!

“I want her to go to D.C. so she can be a part of a leadership opportunity; bring back some of the excitement I always feel after a weekend with my SRL peeps; and most importantly- be surrounded by strong, smart, savvy women in this industry.” - Karin McKemey, Fort Mill High School.

To watch McKenna’s nomination video click here.

Devin Newby

Devin Newby, Black River Falls High School class of 2015, serves as the editor in chief of his school newspaper and anchors his school’s morning announcement show.

“Devin is a rare student. As a high school junior, he has some of the best news leadership skills I’ve seen. He’s smart and curious, two qualities that combined with his commitment to excellence help make him a great editor and journalist.” - Julie Tiedens, Black River Falls High School.

To watch Devin’s nomination video click here.

Kimberly Chexnayder

Kimberly has been an exceptional student the past two years. Her readiness to learn and excel are refreshing and I’ve seen extensive growth in her ability in broadcast journalism. Kimberly is the type of student teachers strive to work with. Her quick wit and ability to grasp new concepts quickly help her to exceed expectations. She in an all-star in every sense of the word and I’m proud to be a mentor to this young lady. Outspoken and a driven leader among her peers, everyone who works with Kimberly can feel her passion for broadcast journalism. I think Kimberly symbolizes everything we want in a student that enters into the PBS Student Reporting Labs.

“She in an all-star in every sense of the word and I’m proud to be a mentor to this young lady. Outspoken and a driven leader among her peers, everyone who works with Kimberly can feel her passion for broadcast journalism. I think Kimberly symbolizes everything we want in a student that enters into the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs." - Justin Robinson, Paseo Academy.

To watch Kim’s nomination video click here.

Gabriel A. Gamino Guerrero

Gabriel has been a journalism student for the past four years, and this year he is the producer of BTV News. He has an extensive list of accomplishments and experiences. He has the desire, self-motivation, professionalism and ethics to become an outstanding future journalist.

“His professionalism, work ethic and strong communication skills set him apart from any of his peers. He is the face of Trevor Browne. I have had the honor of being his teacher this year, and I am so proud of him. Gabriel is a truly exceptional young man.” -Sandra Lowans, Trevor G. Browne High School.

To watch Gabriel’s nomination video click here.

Isaiah Jones

Isaiah will be a rising senior this summer. He is an eager go-getter driven by his interest in production, editing, filming and writing. hrough all parts of the video production process, he is available and willing to help above and beyond what is asked of him. Representing Granby High School, Isaiah will bring great enthusiasm and positive energy to this summer’s conference.

“Isaiah is reaching the point where he has learned as much as I. I want him to attend the summer PBS conference not only because he has worked for the honor, but because I owe him this opportunity. I need Isaiah’s help as I navigate the world of video production. With our powers combined, this summer, you can make no better investment in the Student Reporting Labs than gracing Isaiah with this honor.” - Will Huberdeau, Granby High School.

To watch Isaiah’s nomination video click here.

For more about the Student Reporting Labs program visit our website.

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Ruby Rosenberg

Ruby is a junior at Oakland Technical High School and a student filmmaker at the Media Enterprise Alliance at KDOL-TV. She aspires to one day be a broadcast journalist or film director.

“A lot of students join our program because they get to play with cameras or make goofy videos with their friends, but Ruby is a reporter through and through. She is aware of what’s going on in the world and has a real desire to tell stories fairly and cover what’s going on in her community.” - Jake Schoneker, Media Enterprise Alliance.

To watch Ruby’s nomination video click here.