Checkey Beckford
WICD Reporter/Photographer

Checkey joins the NewsChannel 15 team as a Reporter/Photographer.

Checkey comes from West Palm Beach, Florida where she was a Producer for WPTV. Although she misses the warm weather, she's happy to have the chance to continue her news career in Champaign. "The people here are so warm and friendly."

But Checkey is not a complete stranger to the cold weather. She grew up in Mount Vernon, New York after immigrating to the United States from her native Jamaica at the age of five. She says being an immigrant helps her to appreciate the country in a whole new way. "Coming from where I came from, it's so easy for me to appreciate the many opportunities available in America. I love this country and get a kick of out highlighting stories of the people who call it home."

Checkey always knew she wanted to work in the news business. Her passion for the news took her through a Broadcasting and Media Studies program at Florida Atlantic University. While at FAU, she also discovered an avid interest in politics and earned both Political Science and Sociology minors. After interning at WPBF, the ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach she went on to start her news career at WPTV.

"People often say news is all bad, but there are really some great stories of everyday heroes and people doing the right thing out there. That's why I became a journalist."

Aside from spending time visiting her family, Checkey loves to workout, read mystery novels, sing karaoke and hang out with friends.