St. Louis’ Higher Education Channel (HEC-TV) was honored with six awards Saturday night, including the prestigious top honor; Station Excellence, at the annual Mid-America Emmy Awards held at the Renaissance Grand.

Winning a third station excellence award is an unprecedented achievement for any television station. HEC-TV took home the other two Station Excellence Emmys in 2010 and 2011. This year was the station’s fourth consecutive Station Excellence nomination.

“The HEC-TV team is proud and honored to be recognized by our peers for the excellence of our work and our contributions to our community,” HEC-TV Director Dennis Riggs said.

HEC-TV’s other winners are as follows:

1. Environment – News Story/Program Feature Segment

Producer Julie Winkle won this Emmy for her “Vets Go Green” segment featured in the October 2012 episode of Impact The package tells the story of one local agency that is reaching out to homeless veterans teaching them how to get out of their economic slump. The segment can be seen online at: http://hectv.staging.wpengine.com/video/3588/october-2012-2/ – !/veterans-go-green/

2. Arts/Entertainment – Program Special

The Emmy in this category was presented to Producer Taunia Mason for her work in the May 2012 episode of State of the Arts. The segment “Bluiett Brings It Home,” highlights how one of the world’s best baritone saxophonists is giving back to students at East St. Louis High School through impromptu lessons. The segment can be seen online at: http://hectv.staging.wpengine.com/video/3278/may-2012/ – !/bluiett-brings-it-home/

3. Interview/Discussion

Produced by Julie Winkle, edited by Barry Bruns and hosted by Angie Weidinger. this winning interview/discussion for Maryville Talks Books was with Sports Illustrated writer, NPR commentator HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumble contributor, Frank DeFord. Watch it online at: http://hectv.staging.wpengine.com/video/3388/one-on-one-with-frank-deford/

4. On-Camera Talent – Performer/Host

HEC-TV’s Tim Gore and Angie Weidinger were also nominated in this category, but the award went to HEC-TV’s veteran journalist Aaron Mermelstein. In his show It’s a St. Louis Thing, Mermelstein reports on all things unique to St. Louis, including: WF&P Railroad; Cork Ball; Pirate Fest; Kirkwood Painters; horseshoes; miniature horses; and much more. Watch It’s a St. Louis Thing at http://hectv.staging.wpengine.com/programs/its-a-st-louis-thing/

5. Human Interest – Program/Feature Segment

The final Emmy awarded to HEC-TV went to Producer Jacqui Poor and Editor Taunia Mason for “The Blessing Basket Project,” featured in the April 2012 episode of Impact. Founded in 2002 by Theresa Wilson, the Blessing Basket Project empowers people living third world countries to lift themselves out of poverty. Through the art of basket weaving, the project has delivered freedom and prosperity to villages that were once destitute.  Watch the empowering story at: http://hectv.staging.wpengine.com/video/3151/april-2012-3/ – !/the-blessing-basket-project/