Edinburg native Steven Escobar, a 1993 UTPA theatre-television film graduate received his first Emmy award , for Outstanding Picture Editing for reality Programming. He received the award on Saturday, September 8 at the 59th Creative Arts Emmy Awards in the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles.

This is Escobar's third Emmy nomination. He won it for an episode of the CBS reality program, "The Amazing Race," which airs locally on KGBT-TV. He has been in touch with both his high school television teacher, Susan Smith of ECISD and Dr. Jack R. Stanley of UTPA. Both have been strong influences on his career, and he keeps in touch with them frequently.

Steven Escobar recognizes the impact these two student programs have had on his career. He is planning to set up scholarships at both institutions to encourage future students in their studies. "We want him to bring the Emmy with him on his next trip home, so our students can see what one looks like in the flesh--er, metal," Dr. Stanley remarked.

The Emmy Awards ceremonies take place on two separate days, and the results of the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys will appear on E-TV on Saturday, September 15 at 7 PM. E-TV is available locally on cable and satellite. Several of his former teachers plan to hold an Emmy party to view his triumph.