Broadcast advisor receives national recognition

By Sara Feld
Staff Writer

The Journalism Education Association named Mira Costa’s Broadcast Journalism advisor, Michael Hernandez, on Feb. 8 as the JEA National Broadcast Advisor of the Year.

Hernandez has been working with the JEA since 2008 and has published articles and blog posts. When the JEA announced it was opening up this award for competition in January, Hernandez applied and won. The program is designed to honor high school advisors for their exemplary work.

“It is always nice to be recognized for your hard work,” Hernandez said. “Being recognized by a national organization carries a lot of weight because it’s professionals from across the country making this decision.”

Hernandez founded Costa’s Broadcast Journalism program in 1999 and designed the studio by providing computers, cameras, electronic accessories and more.

“Hernandez is a great teacher who truly knows what he is doing,” sophomore Kit Chavers said. “For those of us who want to continue Broadcast Journalism in our futures, he has set us up for success. But most importantly, he loves what he does.”

Hernandez will receive a $1,000 personal prize and a $1,000 grant for the Mira Costa Broadcast Journalism program. This money can be used to purchase equipment for the broadcast classroom or fund various student summer workshop scholarships.

“I just try to work hard for my students everyday and help them improve,” Hernandez said. “Even if I didn’t receive this award, I would still keep doing what I have been doing.”

As the winner, Hernandez is given the opportunity to write a monthly blog post on the JEA website about his thoughts on scholastic journalism.

“A great part about this award is that I will have the opportunity to share and help people on a broader plain.” Hernandez said. “This is a great honor because not only do I get to help my students but other people around the country as well.”

Previously, Hernandez has received recognition from Ithaca College as a Spark Media Mentor and from Diane College as a Jacobs Educator.

“I have embraced what I do, and I am genuinely passionate about it,” Hernandez said. “I love helping students see the power and influence they can have, and I am so happy that I am able encourage them.”