EPLisa here - welcome to Wednesday May 20, 2009.
I am going to take a minute to talk about what a proud parent I am. My oldest son was honored last night for his 3.98 grade point average. The amazing part is he was born with some serious health problems. The doctors told us he would probably have learning disabilities as he got older because of his surgeries. If anybody is going to prove somebody else wrong it is going to be Alex (trust me, he tries to convince me all the time he is smarter me).
I am not just proud of him, but the entire 6th grade class at Swartz Creek Middle School. A classmate - and very close friend of Alex's- died of cancer in December. Payton was a one of a kind girl. She had a smile that would knock your socks off. Even after learning she would not be able to beat her cancer, she was still an optimist. The school decided to begin a new program to honor students for encouraging and optimistic behavior. They call the award "Positively Payton". Each year, 3 children will be chosen for the award. I cannot think of any better way to honor such a fine young girl. I always tell my kids (and husband) "Example isn't something, it is EVERYTHING". Never has it been more true for Payton, her family and the lives she touched.
Speaking of touching lives, the Beecher Bucs have come in 3rd place in our quest for the Spirit Cup. The students raised more than 18 thousand pounds of food for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. WOW!. Who is our second place winner? Well, that is for us to know and you to find out Thursday on ABC12 News This Morning.
Quote of the day: "Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." Henry Ward Beecher
Greatful for what I have! EPLisa
Good Morning America - from the D!
It's Tuesday May 19, 2009.
Today was a pretty cool day for Detroit - in fact - for the whole state of Michigan. Good Morning America -- live at the Cobo Center today for its Jobs Fair!
Now, GMA is not the only show live from the D - our show was, too! ABC12's own Marc Jacobson hit the road early this morning to go live from the Cobo, along with photog Mike Sanford, engineer Pete Hernandez and news director Jim Bleicher. From 6 until 7, Marc got to talk to a number of local folks taking advantage of the free fair. They were all lovely and well-spoken -- and we wish them the very best of luck in their search for jobs.
The high point of the morning -- not only did we get to speak with GMA workplace contributor Tory Johnson (in a fabulous fushia top), but we got to speak with Robin Roberts - GMA anchor. EPLisa and I were sitting in the control room, talking about how she's not only beautiful - but also so nice (we get to see what happens behind the scenes out there -- since even if it's not live on tv, the cameras keep rolling). And this was despite an ankle injury -- she was hobbling around the whole morning! You can check out her interview in the media player above.
Moving forward - on the show this morning, we revealed the high school in 4th place for the ABC12 School Spirit Competition. Congratulations to Lapeer East High School! They tipped the scales with a total of 17,291 pounds of food raised for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
In 5th place - Flint Northwestern High School with 14,318 pounds of food. This is even MORE than we initially reported - since updated totals from the Food Bank keep rollin' in. Tomorrow, we'll let you know which school is in 3rd place.
This whole week, we're building up for our huge Friday finale. It's going to include the very best of the very first season of ABC12 School Spirit -- and I promise, you won't want to miss it!
Have a wonderful day, and we'll see you bright and early, right here on the Big One-Two.
Producer Molly
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Run, Molly, Run!!EPLisa here, it is Monday May 18th.
I'm sure you've read how enthusiastic all of us at the Producer Pod (that's what we call our desks) are about running. Mid-Michigan offers such a great variety of races throughout the year - perfect for seasoned or novice runners. ABC12 is also a proud sponsor of the Crim Training Program. There is no better feeling than putting on your running shoes and enjoying the great outdoors. Of course, its not always easy to get motivated...but once you put one foot in front of the other it is worth it! Here's a "shout out" to Producer Molly who not only ran the Healing Hands 5-K race at Mott Community college on Saturday - she took 1st place in her age group (I will be a lady and not discuss which age group that was). Talk about a sweet victory! Check it out in the video player above. She worked hard for the gold. Our First at Four producer Erin Peterson came in third place, while Liz Dueweke also made a stunning finish. Go get 'em!
The countdown to the winner of the School Spirit food drive for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan began today. All of the participating schools have done a fantastic job of helping their communities. Coming in at number 5 - Flint Northwestern High School. The kids collected an amazing 14-thousand-228 pounds of food! That will feed a lot of families. WAY TO GO! Who is in fourth place? Well, you'll have to watch ABC12 News This Morning on Tuesday to find out. It is going to be exciting!
Quote of the day: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined". Henry David Thoreau
That's my cue (and yours) to go out and make dreams come true! EPLisa
