WEST HARTFORD – Patricia Kazakoff and Matt Cohen are the recipients of West Hartford TV’s top award for service, it was announced recently by WHC-TV executive director Jennifer Evans. Kazakoff is host and producer of “Shalom Hartford;” Cohen is a writer and social media volunteer with the station.

The two West Hartford residents were presented with the Pat Seremet Volunteer of the Year Award at the media center’s annual volunteer party in December. Named for longtime supporter and journalist Patricia Seremet (1947-2006), the award recognizes reliability, service and achievement among the 150 volunteers at the media center.

“This is our way of thanking and honoring Matt and Pat for all the work they have done so generously and so well,” Evans said. “Matt and Pat embody the spirit of community access television, working collaboratively and in a positive way for the people of West Hartford.”

Cohen started at WHC-TV in 2015, where he continues to write content for the media center’s website, special events blogs and the press. He also writes and helps organize content for social media, work that includes Facebook and other platforms.

Kazakoff started volunteering in 2012 and is best known to viewers as the host of “Shalom Hartford.” In studio and out, Kazakoff also works as editor, videographer and on-location reporter for the station.

In her acceptance speech, Kazakoff praised the station, for exemplifying “what happens when management is truly committed to an atmosphere that speaks to diversity and the common good.”

CAP: Matt Cohen and Pat Kazakoff, recipients of WHC-TV’s Pat Seremet Volunteer of the Year Award, with the station’s executive director Jennifer Evans.