Well-known and respected journalist Amanda Dukes has recently announced her retirement from WESH 2 News after a long and successful career. Throughout her time as a reporter, Amanda has covered countless stories, interviewed countless people, and made a lasting impact on the community she serves.As she prepares to step away from the news desk, many of her colleagues at WESH 2 News have taken the time to reflect on their favorite memories of working with Amanda.Anchor Meredith McDonough expressed her admiration for Amanda as an "incredible journalist" and "faithful woman.""For 25 years, she has been a calming voice for the Central Florida community and will be greatly missed. I am so blessed to call her a dear friend, and I’m thankful we have shared so many special moments together,” McDonough said. “I will always treasure her guiding light.”Reporter Claire Metz will remember Amanda as a "breath of fresh air" who brought kindness and generosity to the workplace. Metz noted Amanda’s calm demeanor in the face of crisis and accuracy in her reporting. She also remembered the special moments they shared, such as when Amanda got married and the team was able to shower her with gifts and love."It has been a gift to know Amanda all these years and to share both professional and personal accomplishments with her," Metz said. "While I will miss her, I am also excited to see what she does next."One of Amanda's colleagues, anchor Stewart Moore, mentioned that he and Amanda shared a work pod together for the past 12 years and will miss anchoring with her during the holidays. "While we weren’t able to be with family, we found family in each other to make the most of the season,” Moore said.Anchor Jason Guy reflected on a special moment they shared co-hosting a WESH 2 special about the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney in Anaheim and Orlando."Today, we're saying farewell to Amanda and it's been an intergalactic adventure working with her," Guy said. "We had a blast co-hosting the Star Wars special, and I'll miss her out-of-this-world creativity and passion.”Although anchor Christina Watkins only worked with Amanda for a year, she had been a fan of her work for many years. "You've been part of my life for many, many years. Growing up, watching your style and grace on air, I was overjoyed to become your colleague and your desk neighbor,” Watkins said. “You bring joy to everyone and everything. Thank you for being you. Congratulations on this next chapter and all the blessings it will bring to you and your family. We will miss you.”Reporter Senait Gebregiorgis shared a favorite memory of when Amanda left a thoughtful gift on her desk."One time Amanda left a beautiful plant as a gift on my desk after I swapped a shift with her. It was so kind and thoughtful. It made me smile. Every time I look at the plant in my apartment, I think of her,” Gebregiorgis said. “We’ll miss you, Amanda. Thank you for your journalism and kindness.”Sports anchor Kendra Douglas expressed how much she has enjoyed working near Amanda, who brought a ray of sunshine to the newsroom every day.“Amanda, you truly light up the newsroom,” Douglas said. “You bring such a positive attitude whenever you come into work. I wish you the best and I am so lucky that I had the chance to work with you.”As Amanda Dukes begins this new chapter in her life, she can take comfort in knowing that she has left a lasting legacy at WESH 2 News. Her colleagues, friends, and viewers will always remember the dedication, professionalism, and passion she brought to her work each and every day.In conclusion, Amanda Dukes will be greatly missed at WESH 2 News, but her impact on the community and the journalism industry will not be forgotten. Her colleagues and viewers wish her all the best in her retirement and know that she will continue to make a positive difference wherever she goes.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
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Well-known and respected journalist Amanda Dukes has recently announced her retirement from WESH 2 News after a long and successful career. Throughout her time as a reporter, Amanda has covered countless stories, interviewed countless people, and made a lasting impact on the community she serves.
As she prepares to step away from the news desk, many of her colleagues at WESH 2 News have taken the time to reflect on their favorite memories of working with Amanda.
Anchor Meredith McDonough expressed her admiration for Amanda as an "incredible journalist" and "faithful woman."
"For 25 years, she has been a calming voice for the Central Florida community and will be greatly missed. I am so blessed to call her a dear friend, and I’m thankful we have shared so many special moments together,” McDonough said. “I will always treasure her guiding light.”
Anchor Michelle Imperato said she feels proud to call Amanda her friend.
"We’ve shared so many wonderful memories and belly laughs and heart to heart conversations," she said. "Amanda brightens up every room with her smile and positivity, she is kind and compassionate and I know that’s why the viewers have loved her for 25 years. I’ll miss seeing her in the newsroom every day, but I’m so excited to see where this next chapter in life takes Amanda!"
Reporter Claire Metz will remember Amanda as a "breath of fresh air" who brought kindness and generosity to the workplace. Metz noted Amanda’s calm demeanor in the face of crisis and accuracy in her reporting. She also remembered the special moments they shared, such as when Amanda got married and the team was able to shower her with gifts and love.
"It has been a gift to know Amanda all these years and to share both professional and personal accomplishments with her," Metz said. "While I will miss her, I am also excited to see what she does next."
One of Amanda's colleagues, anchor Stewart Moore, mentioned that he and Amanda shared a work pod together for the past 12 years and will miss anchoring with her during the holidays.
"While we weren’t able to be with family, we found family in each other to make the most of the season,” Moore said.
Anchor Jason Guy reflected on a special moment they shared co-hosting a WESH 2 special about the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney in Anaheim and Orlando.
"Today, we're saying farewell to Amanda and it's been an intergalactic adventure working with her," Guy said. "We had a blast co-hosting the Star Wars special, and I'll miss her out-of-this-world creativity and passion.”
Although anchor Christina Watkins only worked with Amanda for a year, she had been a fan of her work for many years.
"You've been part of my life for many, many years. Growing up, watching your style and grace on air, I was overjoyed to become your colleague and your desk neighbor,” Watkins said. “You bring joy to everyone and everything. Thank you for being you. Congratulations on this next chapter and all the blessings it will bring to you and your family. We will miss you.”
Reporter Senait Gebregiorgis shared a favorite memory of when Amanda left a thoughtful gift on her desk.
"One time Amanda left a beautiful plant as a gift on my desk after I swapped a shift with her. It was so kind and thoughtful. It made me smile. Every time I look at the plant in my apartment, I think of her,” Gebregiorgis said. “We’ll miss you, Amanda. Thank you for your journalism and kindness.”
Sports anchor Kendra Douglas expressed how much she has enjoyed working near Amanda, who brought a ray of sunshine to the newsroom every day.
“Amanda, you truly light up the newsroom,” Douglas said. “You bring such a positive attitude whenever you come into work. I wish you the best and I am so lucky that I had the chance to work with you.”
As Amanda Dukes begins this new chapter in her life, she can take comfort in knowing that she has left a lasting legacy at WESH 2 News. Her colleagues, friends, and viewers will always remember the dedication, professionalism, and passion she brought to her work each and every day.
Amanda will be greatly missed at WESH 2 News, but her impact on the community and the journalism industry will not be forgotten. Her colleagues and viewers wish her all the best in future endeavors and know that she will continue to make a positive difference wherever she goes.
