Pay It Forward: Herbert Blackmon of Orrville
Herbert Blackmon is a retired teacher. He was nominated for Pay It Forward for being a champion for the less fortunate and true servant leader.
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WAKA Action 8 News
by Ellis Eskew
Anchor/Reporter
Ellis Eskew joined WAKA in October 2012. She anchors Action 8 News at 11:00AM, Noon, 5:00 & 5:30PM.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the TV news business, Ellis has held many different jobs both in front of and behind the camera.
She got her start in TV in her hometown of Dalton, Georgia. From there, she went on to report for stations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama, where she was anchor/producer for the FOX affiliate.
Ellis graduated from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, with a degree in Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism. Her senior year, she interned at CNN in Atlanta.
Ellis has received several awards for her work, including “Best News Anchor” from the Alabama Broadcasters Association. She competed against news anchors from all across the state, regardless of market size, to win this recognition.
Ellis says one of her most memorable stories includes getting to travel with 100 World War II veterans to Washington, DC to see the war memorials. It was called Honor Flight. Telling the amazing stories of these brave men and women was an honor for Ellis, and she believes they truly are “The Greatest Generation.”
Ellis also got the opportunity to fly in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with the Georgia National Guard Armory to cover their training in Fort Stewart.
When she is not reporting the latest news, Ellis enjoys traveling, working with children, drawing and painting and being active in her church and community.
Herbert Blackmon is a retired teacher. He was nominated for Pay It Forward for being a champion for the less fortunate and true servant leader.
Our Pay It Forward honoree this week is Tom Risher of Prattville. He works for Habitat for Humanity helping to build homes for others.
Cheryl Graham, a former nurse and case manager, decided to start an organization called Amazing Grace Health Ministries, Inc. after seeing a need for senior care.
Four years ago, Beth Rogers and her husband started a motorcycle ministry at their Living Water Coffee House in Luverne.
Our Pay it Forward honoree this week is Anthony Brock of Montgomery. He and his brother, Fred, founded Valiant Cross Academy for young men.
For about five years, Annie Rowell of Camden has been making cards of inspiration for people in the nursing home.
Our Pay It Forward honoree this week is Pam Rhodes of Montgomery, who visits people in a nursing home and brightens their day.
Every Sunday, you can find Bernadine Payne playing the piano at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Tallassee. It's something she's done for 50 years!
Joanne Lewis is always helping someone whether it's her own family or neighbors.
James Beacher grew up the oldest of his brothers and sisters. Life took a turn when his father passed away when he was at Tuskegee University.



