Elizabeth High School Alumna Nominated for National College Television Award

Luciana Martinez, a senior at Montclair State University, is recognized for her work on a mental health-focused student TV special.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Luciana Martinez, an alumna of Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy, has been nominated for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation's 45th College Television Awards. Martinez, now a senior at Montclair State University, received the nomination along with her classmates for their 30-minute special FOCUS: Our Mental Health, which explores practical approaches to mental wellness for Gen Z students.

Why it matters

The College Television Awards are considered one of the most distinguished steppingstones for careers in television and media, mirroring the Emmy® Awards selection process. This nomination highlights the exceptional work being done by students in the field of broadcast journalism and television production, particularly in addressing important mental health issues affecting their generation.

The details

Martinez served as a director and producer on the FOCUS: Our Mental Health special, which premiered on Montclair State's streaming platform Hawk Plus on April 23, 2025. The episode examines how members of Gen Z are addressing mental health challenges on campus and highlights resources available to students seeking support. Martinez specifically produced a segment focusing on the role of cellphones and screen time as a form of escapism.

  • Luciana Martinez and her classmates received the nomination in February 2026.
  • The FOCUS: Our Mental Health special premiered on April 23, 2025.
  • The College Television Awards ceremony will take place on March 28, 2026.

The players

Luciana Martinez

A senior at Montclair State University and alumna of Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy, who received a nomination for the Television Academy Foundation's 45th College Television Awards for her work as a director and producer on the FOCUS: Our Mental Health special.

Montclair State University

The university where Luciana Martinez is currently a senior, majoring in film and television.

Television Academy Foundation

The organization that hosts the prestigious College Television Awards, which honor excellence in student-produced programs from colleges and universities across the country.

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What they’re saying

“The team and I chose to tell this story because the topic surrounding mental health has grown increasingly within Gen Z. Our focus wasn't about the leading mental health issues with our generation, but to explore and provide solutions. The package I specifically produced focuses on cellphones and how we rely on them as a form of escapism. It is a relatable topic, and we explored ways in which students can lessen our screen time.”

— Luciana Martinez (tapinto.net)

What’s next

Winners of the College Television Awards will be announced during a red carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California. In addition to the awards ceremony, nominees will participate in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders, as well as a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members.

The takeaway

This nomination for Luciana Martinez and her Montclair State University classmates showcases the exceptional talent and dedication of student journalists and television producers, particularly in addressing important mental health issues affecting their generation. The College Television Awards provide a prestigious platform for these students to be recognized and gain valuable industry exposure as they take their first steps towards careers in media.