Shepard student documentary ‘Beyond Silence’ nominated for national Emmy

Two recent graduates of Alan B. Shepard High School have been nominated for a National Student Production Award (NSPA) by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), which is the same organization that hands out the Emmy awards to professional broadcasters.

Alumni Malaak Hamad and Paulina Karkoszka, both of whom graduated in May 2025, were nominated for their documentary "Beyond Silence" in the Feature News Report category. The film, which highlights the deaf and hard of hearing program at Shepard High School, is one of only 14 entries from the entire Chicago/Midwest region to earn a national nomination.

The nomination follows the film's win last May of a Chicagoland/Midwest NATAS Crystal Pillar award, which qualified it for the national competition.

“From winning the Chicagoland Crystal Pillar to now being nominated for a National Student Production Award, the journey of 'Beyond Silence' is truly remarkable,” said Shepard Principal Dr. Tim Baker. “This documentary, which brought the vital work of our deaf and hard of hearing program at Shepard into the spotlight, is a shining example of how exceptional student journalism can make a profound impact. This once-in-a-lifetime Emmy nomination underscores the caliber of our media students and the excellence of the education they receive in our district. We couldn't be more proud of them and the profound story they shared.”

“Seeing 'Beyond Silence' not only win the Crystal Pillar but now earn a NSPA nomination is the ultimate testament to our students’ skill and dedication, as well as the power of their storytelling,” said Jodi Jasmin Pelini, the digital media teacher at Shepard. “This is an honor they've worked so hard for, and it truly places our students and our program on a national stage.”

Back in January 2025, Hamad and Karkoszka teamed up to create the documentary. As a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community herself, Hamad was driven to explore how Shepard's specialized program provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students like her. The film "Beyond Silence" uses firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes footage to highlight the incredible resources, innovative teaching methods, and strong sense of community that make the program a standout experience. The resulting documentary has had a profound impact by putting the spotlight on these students.

“The story clearly resonates with audiences far beyond the school walls,” said Digital Media teacher Jodi Jasmin Pelini. “By shining a spotlight on our deaf and hard of hearing program, 'Beyond Silence' has not only increased awareness but has also inspired so many people to be more understanding and inclusive of different special needs.”

The National Student Production Awards are designed to honor outstanding television production by high school students. All the nominees can be viewed here.

Recipients of the 2025 National Student Production Awards will be announced on Nov. 21 via a live web stream produced by NATAS.

To view the national award-nominated documentary “Beyond Silence,” please visit YouTube: https://youtu.be/D757KCJJL7E?si=jF2yazLHTt-lXYjr