TEANECK — Teaneck High School alumna Monique Dzaba has been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 45th College Television Awards, recognizing excellence in student-produced television programs from colleges across the country.
Dzaba, now a senior at Montclair State University majoring in journalism and digital media, received the nomination in the News category along with classmates for her work as a producer on the project FOCUS: Our Mental Health.
The 30-minute special, produced by Montclair State’s FOCUS team, explores approaches to mental wellness among college students, including the roles of music, physical activity, and mindful eating. The episode also highlights campus resources available to students seeking support. The program premiered April 23, 2025, on the university’s streaming platform, Hawk Plus.
“The FOCUS team chose to tell this story to shed light on mental health and the importance of taking care of it,” Dzaba said in a statement. “One-in-five U.S. adults struggle with mental health. It is important that people understand that it is OK to not be OK.”
Dzaba served as both producer and editor on the project.
“I learned that working with a team and hearing different opinions on how to execute a videotape package is necessary at times, and you shouldn’t be afraid to add your own creative ideas,” she said.
In 2025, Dzaba interned with NBCUniversal’s Weekend TODAY show in New York City.
The College Television Awards are considered one of the industry’s most prominent national student competitions. This year’s nominees were selected from more than 185 entries submitted by colleges nationwide and judged by members of the Television Academy.
Winners will be announced at a red-carpet awards ceremony March 28 at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, Calif. Nominees will also participate in two days of professional development events with media and television industry leaders.