Pay It Forward: Patrick Aitken from Montgomery
Patrick Aitken serves the homeless through the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless and River City Church. But he says its not just a job. For him, it's a calling. "People…
Sections
Secondary Menu
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.
Patrick Aitken serves the homeless through the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless and River City Church. But he says its not just a job. For him, it's a calling. "People…
On just about any given day Harold Hammond can be seen picking up litter along Highway 14 on Fairview Avenue in Prattville. "I start exactly 2 miles from the interstate from…
Pink and Pearls for Girls (PP4G) serves girls ages 3 to 18. Founder Grace Harvey says it all began at home. "I have girls of my own and it was something as…
This week's Pay It Forward honoree is Rachel Linch from Marion. She is a teacher and makes a difference everyday in the lives of her students. Linch has been a…
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is here! As part of its annual “coast-to-coast wienie roast,” the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be in Montgomery, Wetumpka, Prattville, and Milbrook from Thursday, May 13th until Sunday, May 16th. Fans can peek inside and…
This week's Pay It Forward honoree is 18-year-old M.J. Harris of Selma. His mother nominated him for all that he does to help the community. He will recieve a gift of $333 on behalf of Alabama News Network and The Vance Law Firm!
Art Splash 2021 "Art in the Garden" is coming up Thursday, May 13th. This year's event will look a little different with a virtual auction, garden preview, and artist sponsor party. All…
This week's Pay it forward honoree is Alberta Ronoakes of Tuskegee. She has been driving a school bus for 24 years and works hard to make sure all her kids are taken care of. Alberta Ronoakes has spent much…
Charles and Alice Freeman are passionate about feeding anyone and everyone who is hungry in the Selma area. This past year they filled a great need because of the pandemic. Charles and Alice…
Our Pay it Forward honoree this week is Jerria Martin of Selma. She is making a difference by working to create a drug-free community. Jerria Martin gradauted from Princeton in 2013 with her Masters of Divinity. She never knew she'd…



