Pay It Forward: Towanda Friday of Valley Grande
Towanda Friday was nominated by her daughter for all she does to care for the community.
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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.
Towanda Friday was nominated by her daughter for all she does to care for the community.
Melissa Orr is known for her bright smile and servant's heart. And we're told she is always willing to help others out no matter how large the task.
Norbert Thomas came back from Iraq in 2004 with a dream to give back to his community by helping at-risk kids.
For the past four years, Lorri Simpson has worked at the Elmore County Humane Shelter. And even before that, she and her husband fostered and bottle fed animals welcoming them into their home and property.
Lisa Oliver has created a group "Crenshaw Cares Help Exchange."
Our Pay It Forward honoree this week is Cheryl Ransaw of Montgomery. She is making a difference by her work with the Women of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
Our Pay It Forward honoree this week is Lisa Benson of Montgomery. She runs a non-profit to help seniors with their needs.
Adrienne Lee is the principal at Brantley Elementary in Selma. She was nominated by a parent for her amazing energy and care she gives to each student at school each and every day.
Frederick Jennings is a deacon at Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church. At 81-years-old he is still going strong to help to serve those in need.
The ABC TV show "The Wonder Years" is getting a reboot and filming in the Capital City. The production is looking…