"Good for Her!" Riley Elliott, DL youth correspondent, featured on FOX8
Riley escorts anchor Natalie Wilson on a tour of Central Davidson High School. {Contributed Photos}
Davidson County residents saw a familiar face on anchor Natalie Wilson’s WGHP FOX8 Tuesday segment of “Good for Her.” Davidson Local’s longest running youth correspondent, Riley Elliott, was featured during Wilson’s series that highlights women who are making waves in the Piedmont Triad and North Carolina.
Elliott was honored for her role as a youth correspondent. In “‘The Scoop”: Davidson County Teen keeps community informed” Wilson touted the student’s enthusiasm. “Her platform, ‘The Scoop,’ keeps people informed and entertained on what’s happening around Davidson County.” Parents, Commissioner Chris Elliott and Shannon Elliott, and brother, Mason, shared in the excitement of Riley’s recent interview.
“What’s just as impressive is the many other things the 15-year-old Central Davidson High School sophomore balances during the week,” Wilson remarked.
Riley remains active in multiple sports throughout the year and is currently on the school’s women’s basketball team. Riley represents North Carolina on the D.A.R.E Youth Advocacy Board that includes traveling across the state for public speaking engagements and educating youth on physical and mental health.
She became the personality behind The Scoop with Riley Elliott in 2001. The segment was created for Davidson Local over the summer and has taken on a life of its own. In addition to a future basketball career, Riley said she plans to pursue college and a career in broadcast journalism. Her dreams include college and the WNBA but right now she hopes to provide inspiration as she volunteers with younger children.
Image from slideshow created by FOX8 WGHP {Contributed Photo}
Elliott quickly learned that the media business isn’t all ice cream and lollipops. Her first official assignment included protestors and some “not-so-nice” language. She began The Scoop in the heat of a contentious debate about masks in schools with an early August interview with the Davidson County Schools superintendent. “When we pulled up to the event, we saw the protest and I asked if she still wanted to do it. Before I knew it, she was getting out of the car and introducing herself to the protestors,” Shannon Elliott recalled.
Local officials gather as Riley accepts post as Davidson County’s first youth state-wide D.A.R.E. representative. Her parents Chris Elliott and Shannon Elliott are by each side. {Contributed Photo}
Shannon offered more insight. “It’s a lot more than she even gives herself credit for. There’s been times when she’s changed clothes in the car. She’ll leave basketball practice, literally hang her head out the window to dry her hair to go to a Scoop interview or to go to a speaking engagement, and people don’t see that side.”
Riley is no stranger to the spotlight. Her mentoring and friendship with NBA point guard "Muggsy" Bogues were featured on ESPN as well as local media outlets. Bogues, the shortest player in National Basketball Association history, provides inspiration to Elliott, who was picked on as the shortest player on her team. She became so interested in Bogues’ story that she asked her parents to wait so she could be at the front of the line for one of his meet-and-greets a few years ago. The two struck up a conversation and the rest is history. Bogues often provides support and advice to Riley.
Elliott admits she was nervous about the interview but says Wilson eased her fears along the way. “She was the sweetest person, especially at the beginning when my nerves were trying to get the best of me,” Riley shared. “I give God all the credit for allowing me these opportunities. I treasure each and every one of them. I truly want to not make a difference but BE THE DIFFERENCE!!”
To watch Riley’s interview with Natalie Wilson visit.
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
