Glen Cove High School GCTV Triumphs at Regional BASH Awards; Educator Chris Barry and Students Take Home Top Honors

Glen Cove High School’s GCTV program delivered another memorable performance at the 9th annual Broadcast Alliance for Senior High (BASH) competition at Hofstra University. Hosted by the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the prestigious regional event recognizes excellence in student broadcast journalism. This year, Glen Cove achieved not only a first-place win for our students, as in years past, but also an honor for educator Chris Barry.  

The presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Barry, a cornerstone of Glen Cove’s broadcasting program, was a complete surprise to Mr. Barry and the GCTV students. The BASH Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honor presented to outstanding educators who have dedicated their careers to shaping the future of student broadcasting and media education across New York and the Long Island region. Upon returning to the high school, Mr. Barry was greeted with a surprise “hero’s welcome” by a cheering crowd of students and staff celebrating his years of dedication. 

In the student categories, GCTV students from Mr. Barry’s Broadcast Journalism class earned the first-place trophy for the Best Community Feature category, sponsored by WABC and presented by Chantee Lans. The winning production team included studio anchors Jax Giordano and Isabella Damiano, alongside the on-location production crew of Isabella Damiano, Robert Gobbo, Joseph Damiano, and Axel Aguilar. Their segment highlighted the work of the Glen Cove Beautification Commission, blending local journalism, on-site reporting, and high-quality technical production to secure the regional championship. [Watch  GCTV News]

In addition to the top awards, student Isabella Damiano represented the district on stage as an event presenter, demonstrating the practical skills and confidence developed within the GCTV program.

The annual BASH Awards serve as an important benchmark for local student media, and Glen Cove High School’s strong performance highlights the continued growth and success of its broadcasting and media education program.

GCTV highlighted the BASH awards on its Friday Morning News broadcast.

Jax Giordano, Isabella Damiano, and Chris Barry with their trophies from the 2026 BASH Awards

Chris Barry holds his Lifetime Achievement Award as students live stream the Connolly School Spring Concert.

Left to right: Assistant Superintendent Bryce Klatsky, Superintendent Dr. Alexa Doeschner, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Chris Barry, and Glen Cove High School Principal Allen Hudson III.

Chris Barry with TV Production and Broadcast Journalism students

Chris Barry alongside fellow Long Island production teachers during an event breakout session aimed at mentoring the younger generation of educators.