Realfaith TV, the diocesan faith-based television program aimed at teenagers, has received a prestigious Bronze Telly Award for its episode, “Too Young to Die: Grieving Teenagers,” which takes a look at the grieving process through the perspective of teenagers.

The groundbreaking episode has also been honored with a 2012 Gabriel Award, an honor that was announced in May.

The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring film and video productions across the globe, including both television and web programs and commercials. The mission, according to the organization’s web site, is to “strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity.”

The 33rd Annual Telly Awards competition received well over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. Since its founding in 1978, The Telly Awards has become one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders, ranging from large international production firms to local companies and advertising agencies. Both secular and non-secular entries are reviewed and selected.

Realfaith TV recently wrapped up its 12th season, and is in the process of filming for the coming set of episodes. With teens on camera and in behind-the-scenes roles, the program is driven by the peers of its closest followers.

The suggestion to focus an episode on grief among teenagers came from Howell musician and Realfaith TV co-host Justin Zimmerman, who was inspired by his own experience of suffering the loss of his best friend, Brittany, who died suddenly at the age of 16 in the summer of 2009.

Zimmerman said that he suggested the episode theme because he himself did not know how to deal with the loss of his friend, and most of his peers shared his confusion.

The segment includes opportunities for teens on camera to share how they have handled grief experiences in their lives, some of which include deaths resulting from accidents or prolonged illness. A few accounts of suicide were shared as well.

The end of the episode features a music video with Zimmerman and his sister, Alina, who were both very close to Brittany. The duo performed the song, “Let Me Go,” something Zimmerman wrote after grieving the loss of his close friend.

Realfaith TV also received a Gabriel Award in 2007 for the program, “Companioning a Pregnant Teen,” and in 2008 for “Overcoming Eating Disorders.” The show has also received numerous national communications awards from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as other professional organizations.