Makenzi Henderson, Gabrielle Deabler head on to new adventures

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If there’s anything certain about working in TV news, it’s that change is inevitable. And so this week WWAY says goodbye to a couple of great talents who have been a big part of our team.

Evening Anchor Makenzi Henderson and Morning Meteorologist Gabrielle Deabler are moving on to new jobs in bigger markets.

Makenzi is heading to Waco, TX, to be the evening anchor and reporter.

“It’s been so difficult to come up with something that expresses just how much WWAY and Wilmington have meant to me.  The decision has to be one of the hardest I’ve ever made,” Makenzi said. “I haven’t been able to say goodbye to my viewers since I left Rapid City, SD, in 2010. It was a very difficult three years between leaving KOTA and coming to WWAY. This business can really take it out of you, and it almost took it out from me. One station didn’t renew my contract, and another laid me off. When WWAY offered me the job, and I accepted it, I was so ready for something positive, something long-term and something amazing. It became all those things and so much more. WWAY and Wilmington welcomed me with open arms, made me grow professionally and helped me heal personally.”

Gabrielle is heading almost as far west after accepting a job as a meteorologist in Huntsville, AL.

“WWAY was the perfect place for me the past year. It was my first full time job out of college, and it gave me a chance to explore my own style as a meteorologist and a news personality,” Gabrielle said. “I’ve learned so much from my co-workers about this business and about life outside of work, too.”

Makenzi and Gabrielle have both been tremendous assets to WWAY and its viewers. They’ve been leaders in the newsroom and active participants in the community.

The decision to move is typically a difficult one, especially when you live in such a great place as Wilmington.

“I’ll miss everything that makes Wilmington one of a kind; all of the local businesses/organizations and all of the history and traditions make Wilmington unique,” Gabrielle said. “Of course, it wouldn’t be Wilmington without all of the passionate people that keep the city and its history alive. I have loved living here, and after a year here I am still learning about Wilmington every day. There is no limit to its character and charm. I’ll of course miss the people here the most though. Thank you for making the past year such a great one!”

For Makenzi, a native Minnesotan, who started at WWAY in 2013 as our morning anchor, leaving the Wilmington area is like leaving home in a way.

“Thank you all for trusting me to tell your stories, and get involved in the community. I know a little more than three years isn’t a long time in the grand scheme of things, but in the grand scheme of my life WWAY and its viewers will always be part of a time when I was truly happy,” she said. “They say there is no place like home, but I’d argue there is. At least for me. It’s called the Cape Fear. I will leave a piece of me, a piece of my heart and a piece of my soul with its blazing sunsets, its rushing waters and its amazing people.”

On behalf of everyone at WWAY, I extend a big thank you and good luck to Makenzi and Gabrielle. They have helped make our station and our team better, and we wish them all the happiness and success they have earned and deserve.

A new evening anchor and a new morning meteorologist have already been hired. They start in a couple of weeks, and we are excited to introduce you to them very soon, so, as we like to say in TV: STAY TUNED!