Congratulations to all nominees!
Ticket Deadline: April 20, 2026
Student Production Awards
April 26, 2026
Student Production Awards
April 26, 2026
Meet the Pros
Explore the world of broadcast journalism and production through a series of interactive question-and-answer breakout sessions with industry professionals specializing in news, sports, and documentary production. Gain valuable insight into their career paths, educational backgrounds, professional training, and the experiences that shaped their journeys in the industry.
Presenters
Ashlee Baracy
Meteorologist
WDIV
Ashlee Baracy is a 4x Emmy award-winning meteorologist who was born and raised in Metro Detroit. You can catch her 4Warn Weather forecasts on WDIV weekday mornings and streaming on Local4+. She has been recognized by both the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Ohio Associated Press Media Editors for “Best Weathercast.” Ashlee's greatest pride and joy are her two children. During her first pregnancy, she inspired a conversation about body positivity through her experiences with body shaming. Her message went viral making headlines in the New York Post, People Magazine and on the Today Show. Ashlee holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a Broadcast Meteorology Certification from Mississippi State University and has a Master of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Colton Cichoracki
Meteorologist
WXMI FOX 17
Colton Cichoracki is an award-winning meteorologist who currently works at WXMI FOX 17 in Grand Rapids. Colton earned his meteorology degree from Central Michigan University and also holds an associate's degree from St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron. Colton has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for best meteorologist and best weathercast the past two years. Colton's passion for weather began when he was just four years old and always knew he wanted to be a meteorologist. He loves snow and winter but also enjoys forecasting severe and tropical weather. Colton's career began in St. Joseph, Missouri and he later worked in Flint and Lansing before moving to Grand Rapids. Colton has also interned at 9&10 News in northern Michigan and at WJBK FOX 2 in Detroit
Larry Wallace
Senior Investigative Reporter
FOX 47 News Lansing
Larry Wallace is a Detroit Native, born and raised on the west side of the city. He attended Wayne State University (GO WARRIORS!) for his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Organizational Communication and Public Relations. Larry’s journalism career started in 2015, when he worked as a general assignment reporter for the public access channel TV Warren. From there, he went on to work for CBC Windsor as a reporter, then FOX 2 Detroit as an assignment editor then, NBC 24 as a reporter - before making his way to Lansing as a senior investigative reporter and anchor at FOX 47 News. During his 11 year career he’s racked up awards, including best breaking news and best newscast with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
Mark Pearson
Sports Director
WNEM TV 5
Mark Pearson joined WNEM as Sports Director in May 2023. A Grand Rapids native, he previously worked at WAND (central Illinois) and WDAZ (North Dakota), where he rose to Sports Director after serving as a weekend anchor/reporter. A graduate of Butler University, Mark was the school’s first Sports Media major, also minoring in business and mathematics. He gained early experience through internships with ESPN 96.1, the Indiana Pacers, WOOD TV, and WTHR, and has covered major events including the ReliaQuest Bowl and NCAA March Madness.
David C. Jones
Chief Photographer
WXMI
A seven-time Emmy award-winning television photojournalist and a recipient of a 2023 Regional Edward R Murrow award, Jones has worked as a television news photographer and editor for thirty years. In 2016, he moved into documentary filmmaking where his cinematography work includes, NOTOWN (2019) for Defining Entertainment; FLINT (2020) for Montrose Pictures Ltd.; and FRONTLINE: Plot to Overturn the Election (2022) for PBS/GBH. He is currently the cinematographer on FINDING XIAO (currently in production) for Rice Pictures as well as Fretail, a short observational film surrounding homelessness. Jones sits on the board of directors for the regional NATAS chapter and is a member of the International Documentary Association. He won the 2025 Emmy for both News Photographer and News Editor.
Meghan Griesbeck
Workforce Productivity Specialist
Netflix
Meghan has over eight years of experience in television and film, specializing in post-production and production strategy. She is currently a Workforce Productivity Specialist at Netflix, overseeing internal production planning applications. She began her career as a DI Producer at Light Iron NY, working on projects including A Family Affair (Netflix), Tires Season 2 (Netflix), and Law & Order (NBC). As an indie producer, her latest film, Lady Parts, won six festival awards, including the Comedy Vanguard Jury Award at Austin Film Festival and Audience Awards at Florida and St. Louis Film Festivals. A Broadcast & Cinema Arts graduate of Madonna University, Meghan recently returned to Michigan after eight years in New York City. Outside of work, she loves to travel and is always picking up a new hobby — currently crocheting.
Event Location
Communication Arts and Sciences Building
- Enter at the South Lobby (adjacent to Trowbridge Ramp parking)
- Follow signs to Northwest Lobby
Parking
Free parking available in adjacent Trowbridge Ramp #5:
1149 Red Cedar Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
Awards Store
Have you received a Student Production Award in past years?
It’s never too late to commemorate your achievement with a beautiful crystal pillar award.
Our crystal pillars feature the Emmy® logo and are personalized with an inscription celebrating your accomplishment.
Shipping is not included.