Students from the Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting (BMB) program recently traveled to Tampa, FL to participate in the annual convention hosted by the Student Television Network, the largest student broadcasting and film conference in the world. 

Twenty-four students from Mepham High School joined more than 3,500 broadcast and film students from across the United States and the United Kingdom for the four-day event, which featured competitions, workshops, industry networking opportunities, and awards ceremonies. 

During the convention, students participated in nine competitions that challenged them to produce broadcast content under tight deadlines in an unfamiliar city. One highlight was the signature “Crazy 8’s” contest, in which teams had just eight hours to produce a complete morning show based on a surprise prompt. 

“This is my fourth year attending STN and it just gets bigger and better each year,” said senior producer Emma Santiago, who worked on several of BMB’s contest submissions. 

Over the weekend, students worked in teams to produce a range of projects, including a movie trailer, commentary segments, feature stories, and a news package. The competition required students to brainstorm, report, film, write, and edit their stories within strict time limits. 

“There is a ton of pressure,” senior producer Allison Redican said. “You don’t want to let the team down, but you also want to be true to the people whose story we’re telling, and you only have three hours. It was honestly the most stressful three hours I have ever spent-and I’d give anything to get a chance to do it again.” 

The BMB team earned Outstanding Achievement for its weekly Morning Announcements and Distinguished Merit for its newsmagazine program Midweek Update. 

Stu Stein, one of the BMB teachers, along with Matt Russelland Lisa Kalish, praised the students’ dedication and teamwork.  

“Each year I am more and more impressed by these kids,” he said. “In a world of ‘I can’t,’ STN teaches students that they can.” 

Reflecting on the experience, first-time attendee Isabella Lettieri summed up the weekend. 

“I’ve never worked so hard, stressed so much, and laughed at the same time as much as I did in the last four days,” she stated.