CNN Journalist - And Westport Resident - Selected As Greenwich High School's 2017 Graduation Speaker

GREENWICH, CT — Alisyn Camerota, a Westport resident and co-anchor of CNN's morning show "New Day," will be the Commencement Speaker for the Greenwich High School Class of 2017 graduation, scheduled for June 20.

In addition to anchoring "New Day" with Chris Cuomo, Camerota is also author of the new novel "Amanda Wakes Up" about TV news, out next month. She has worked for FOX News, NBC and various local news stations throughout her career.

"Ms. Camerota was recommended to the senior class officers through a personal acquaintance," said Senior Class President Richard Columbo in a statement. "After researching her background, we all agreed that as an incredibly accomplished journalist and program host with numerous years of experience and a multifaceted career she would be a perfect fit to impart wisdom on the Class of 2017."

Added GHS Headmaster Chris Winters, "We are very excited to have Alisyn Camerota as our commencement speaker. In a time when news coverage has become increasingly partisan, Alisyn represents integrity and objectivity in her reporting. Her message to our graduates will be very well received."

The high school's graduation will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the school’s Cardinal Stadium, but officials added the following statement if it rains:

In case of inclement weather, the commencement ceremonies will be held indoors in the GHS Performing Arts Center in two groups – students with last names beginning with L-Z will begin at 4:00 p.m., and students with last names beginning with A-K will begin at 7:15 p.m. While seating for the outdoor ceremony is unlimited and on a first come, first serve basis, each family will receive three tickets for use in case there is an indoor ceremony.

From a bio of Alisyn Camerota:

During her tenure at CNN, Camerota has covered breaking news stories on the ground internationally and domestically, including the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, the South Carolina church shooting, and the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL. She was in the forefront of CNN's coverage of the 2016 elections, conducting news-making interviews with Hilary Clinton, Donald Trump and the rest of the field of candidates. Her panel discussions with Trump supporters have become must-see viral sensations. Outside of her role on New Day, Camerota has anchored primetime specials, including "The Hunting Ground: Sexual Assault on Campus," and "The Cosby Show: A Legend Under Fire," a one hour conversation with the comedian's alleged victims.

Prior to joining CNN, Camerota worked at the FOX News Channel for many years, most often hosting various parts of the Fox & Friends franchise. Camerota was live on the air as the Iraq War began, when the space shuttle Columbia exploded, and countless other breaking news events.

Before FOX News, Camerota was a national correspondent for NBC’s morning magazine show RealLife, traversing the country, telling the stories of real and unusual people. Before that, she was a national crime reporter for the fugitive-finding show, America’s Most Wanted, during which time she conducted jailhouse interviews with mass murderers, serial rapists and other dangerous criminals.

She also reported at various local stations: WHDH in Boston, WLNE in Providence, and WTTG in Washington. Her first job was working for Ted Koppel, helping to produce his award-winning primetime documentaries called "The Koppel Reports."

Camerota attended The American University on a full academic scholarship. She graduated cum laude with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She lives in the New York area with her husband and three children.

Photo: Alisyn Camerota. Photo credit: Contributed