Jackson Cancel ’26 of Christ School has won a Student Emmy Award in the Interview/Discussion category at the 2026 Southeast Student Production Awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The ceremony was held Saturday on the Savannah College of Art & Design’s Atlanta campus.
Cancel earned the award for his documentary, “You Gotta Get It Right,” featuring Associate Director of Admission and Head Varsity Basketball Coach Erasto Hatchett.
“Really what was on my mind while filming wasn’t the documentary itself,” Jackson said. “It was spending time with one of my favorite people on campus, Coach Hatchett. He’s meant a lot to me during my time here. It was special just to sit down and share a conversation with him.”
Jackson also expressed gratitude for those who supported the project. “I feel overwhelming gratitude – for (Broadcast Journalism instructor) Dr. (Spenser) Simrill’s help throughout the process, and for Coach Hatchett for sharing this experience with me.”
Dr. Simrill announced the win to the student body and faculty during Monday’s first assembly back from Spring Break, even going the extra length to do an envelope reveal at the podium. In kind, Jackson gave a short acceptance speech. Jackson is from Asheville. He is this year's Head Prefect, an AP Scholar, Global Studies Program scholar, a continued leader in the Black Student Union, and his extracurricular activities have included football, track, and theater.
As a whole, Christ School students swept the Student Emmy's Interview/Discussion category with all three nominations, ensuring the award would be won by a Christ School production. The Southeast Student Production Awards honor excellence in student television production and are judged by professionals from the television and media industry.
Additional nominated projects from Christ School included:
Interview/Discussion
- A Conversation with Ross Gay – produced by Felix Huebner ’26.
- “To Want to Be the Best” – Coach Randy Ashley – produced by Brooks Barbee ’27.
Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs
- Kishi Bashi – Live at Christ School – produced by Thomas Klepper ’25.
Sports Story
- The Dunk Seen Around the World – produced by Tyler Jones ’26.