The Taylorville High School’s (THS) Media Outlet, Tommy TV, recently held their 5th annual Tommy TV Awards on Saturday May 9, 2026. Hart Media Group spoke with Ella Hohenstein, who is a 2026 THS Graduate, and also was the producer for this past years Tommy TV team.
During her interview, Hohenstein spoke about what got her started with Tommy TV, and said that it started before she was even a high school student. Being the daughter Neil Hohenstein, the instructor for Tommy TV, growing up she would assist her father with running cameras for Tommy TV back in the 6th grade.
Hohenstein also described what being the Tommy TV producer for a big event such as the Tommy Awards is like. According to Hohenstien, she had to remember not to put all of the work onto herself, and to delegate tasks to her fellow crew members to ensure a successful outcome. Hohenstein confirms that Teamwork does make the dream work.
Hohenstein was also among the Tommy Award winners as the recipient of the Most Involved Student Award. As a senior, she has discovered how to be everywhere at once, excelling in Varsity Cheer, Soccer, FFA, the musical, and TommyTV all at one time. Ella’s involvement goes far beyond the simplicity of showing up. In the words of her peers, Hohenstein is a leader who shapes the culture of THS through her contagious school spirit and poise.
Pictured below is Ella Hohenstein speaking at the Tommy Awards on-stage podium. This picture was acquired from the Tommy TV Facebook Page.
The full list of the Tommy TV Award winners is as follows:
• Don Williams - Lifetime Achievement Award
• Olivia Garren - Rising Star Award
• Mollie Lively - Elementary School Most Influential Teacher
• Officer Chaz Dees - First Responders Award
• Melissa Alberssen - Junior High Most Influential Teacher
• TommyTV - Club of the Year
• April Durbin - Support Staff Member of the Year
• Emily Stephens - Senior High Most Influential Teacher
• Chase Clayton - Musician of the Year
• Abby Basil - Best Dressed Award
• Ella Reiss - Heart and Soul Award
• Ella Hohenstein - Most Involved Student
• Grace Rogers - Female Athlete of the Year
• Malique Pearse - Male Athlete of the Year
• Coach Lee Mateer - Coach of the Year
• Kathy Moore - Tornado Fan of the Year
• Larry Barry - Generosity Award
• Sue Schafer - Most Influential Teacher of the Year
The 5th annual Tommy Awards can be watched in full by clicking HERE
You can watch all of Tommy TV’s prior live streams as well as upcoming live coverage of games and major THS events at the Tommy TV YouTube channel.
To visit the Tommy TV Channel, CLICK HERE.
