By Belize Live News Staff: Cherisse Halsall, a rising journalist from Belmopan, has been selected as the 33rd David Kaplan Memorial Fellow. Currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Missouri School of Journalism, Halsall will join ABC News in Washington, DC, as part of the prestigious fellowship.
Halsall shared how her ability to capture the political pulse of the nation helped her stand out during the fellowship competition. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I told NBC News that Donald Trump was going to win because young men were voting for him as a protest vote at some kind of crossroads between aspiration and frustration with the system. That turned out to be prophetic.”
As part of the fellowship, Halsall will serve as a field producer, supporting reporters and anchors while researching major stories. “I’ll be behind the scenes at all times. I’m learning the rhythms of Capitol Hill, what it’s like to chase down a senator or House member, and how to be a political reporter,” she said.
Halsall expressed excitement about starting her position at ABC News on the same day as the next U.S. President, describing the opportunity as humbling. “I’m going to be one of the most important roles I think a person can have, which is to bear witness to the government whose actions influence most of global politics.”
Coming from a small capital like Belmopan, Halsall spoke about the similarities she’s noticed between local and national political dynamics. “It’s the same power struggle—how are we going to feed our people? For me, coming from such a small place, I never thought I’d be sitting at the intersection of global politics.”
The fellowship includes a $10,000 stipend and a full-time paid position at ABC News. Halsall currently works as an anchor, reporter, and producer at KOMU-TV, the University of Missouri’s NBC affiliate.
