Sarah McKenna

Sarah McKenna, a Lafayette native, came to News Channel 18 in August of 2009 as the morning meteorologist. Weather has always been a passion for Sarah who realized at a young age that broadcast meteorology is the place for her!

Sarah earned her degree from Ball State University and majored in Operational Meteorology and Climatology with a minor in Telecommunications. While at Ball State, Sarah participated in a month long trip to the plains and studied the development of over 15 tornadoes, 11 of which happened in just a matter of hours! Sarah also started her broadcasting career while at Ball State for WIPB in Muncie as a forecaster for NewsLink Indiana.

Sarah interned at KTRK in Houston, TX the summer before her last semester in college and then a second internship at WNDU in South Bend, IN during her final semester. Upon graduation in 2006, Sarah moved back down to Texas to start her career at KAVU in Victoria, TX. While there, she covered many events, from the wettest summer to the 2nd driest summer the town has ever seen, however covering hurricanes is the part she says she'll remember the most!

Sarah is excited to be back home with her family! She's eager to attend Jeff football and basketball games to cheer on her youngest brother, Colin. When not being a supportive sister or covering the weather, Sarah expects to be involved in the community, especially through the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk.

Where did you grow up?

West Lafayette, IN / Plymouth, IN

What college did you attend?

Ball State University

What was your very first job?

Papa John's

What is your favorite movie?

I can't pick just one! It varies depending on my mood -- however I can't do scary movies!

What is your favorite dessert?

Blapple Pie ... a combination of blueberry and apple that my mom came up with

What type of radio station do you listen to?

Top 40 usually -- again, depends on my mood

What you most like to do in your free time?

Spending time with my friends and family, play with my two dogs, Nani and Chloe, volunteer work.

If you could meet any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Past family members -- just to hear and see where my family started and know more about my history!

Your favorite sport to play?

Softball ... although it's been awhile since I played it seriously!

Your favorite sport to watch?

Football! I'm either at a game or parked on my couch every weekend during football season!

How much sleep do you need?

8 hours

How much sleep do you get?

5 hours ... if I'm lucky

Has any moment in television / reporting history influenced you?

9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Which holiday do you get into the most?

Christmas

What did your first day in weather / TV teach you about the business?

This is a fast paced industry and you better be able to keep up ... if you can't, you WILL get left behind!

Your most memorable moment at WLFI?

When I was about 8 years old I went to community day at Columbian Park and did a "forecast." My family still has it on tape so I'll never be able to forget! Or going on-air for my first time at WLFI with an hour's notice during severe weather!

Saying or motto you live by:

Always follow your dreams