By Kate Bartlett
Elora Watkins is a standout student journalist and senior correspondent for CCS-TV (Collaborative Children’s Solutions-TV), a youth-driven broadcasting platform based in Chautauqua County, New York. Her determination and talent has gained widespread community recognition as a premier reporter for Chautauqua County’s local youth media network as a high-profile interviewer and disability advocate.
As a graduate of Maple Grove High School, Elora has a community driven mindset and has always had an energetic, determined personality despite her disability. At age two, Elora was diagnosed with a brain tumor surrounding her optic nerves which resulted in the loss of her sight. She reads Braille and utilizes a cane, but her visual deficits have never stopped her from chasing her dreams. Throughout her life Elora has been supported by her family, friends, coaches and many teachers. She discovered a love for the performing arts at a young age; she started violin lessons when she was 4, dance lessons later that same year, and voice lessons beginning in fifth grade. “I loved being active in a lot of different things,” explains Elora. “I never let my disability stop me from doing what I loved.” She became active in competitive swimming in elementary school and added diving in high school. It was also in school where she discovered the Spanish language. “I was fortunate that my love for the Spanish language and culture was supported and encouraged.”
Elora began working with CCS-TV after a presentation by Justin Gould, longtime media professional and community leader in Chautauqua County, as the county’s Media Information Officer in her Maple Grove journalism class. “Justin was passionate about Journalism and he made me interested in the opportunities offered working with CCS-TV,” explains Elora. “I started interning almost 3 years ago, and now I’m a Senior Correspondent working regularly on the “CHQ in View” series and other exciting projects.”
One of Elora’s first big projects was a livestream event at the Chautauqua Hall of Fame banquet where she sang the National Anthem and interviewed Jay Sirianni, the brother of Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Nick Sirianni could not attend as the Eagles had just won the Super Bowl. During the summer of 2025, Elora had the opportunity to interview the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Urban Ahlin. Her passion for storytelling, determination, and ability to truly connect with people are evident in her interviews.
Elora is currently a sophomore at San Diego State University (SDSU) studying a Dual Major of Communication and Spanish with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is a nationally ranked member of the SDSU Speech and Debate Team. While on college summer break at home in Jamestown, she has been working with the CCS-TV series at Chautauqua Institution. These community segments focus on highlighting guest speakers, attendees and weekly events at The Institution including interviews with Jill McCormick, the Director of Communications and Special Projects, Natalie Merchant, Jeffery Rosen and Chuck Todd. “It’s been an incredible experience,” explains Elora. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to have genuine conversations with such influential people, and share their stories with our audience, all while highlighting events in our community.”
As a visual impairment advocate and journalist, Elora integrates her disability into her professional identity. She has appeared in multiple CCS-TV segments discussing mindset, determination, and adaptability, emphasizing that her cane and visual impairment are not limitations but tools that open new doors. Her work often highlights accessibility, inclusion, and adaptive living. “I’m honored to speak on behalf of the community and represent the visually impaired,” explains Elora. “I hope to inspire others to not let anything, disabilities included, stand in their way of their hopes and dreams.”
Elora is proud to represent CCS-TV and their mission to inspire young voices. “I’m grateful to have found my passion. The CCS-TV family is incredibly supportive; they’ve embraced me and my disability. We’re currently working on finding new ways to blend my visual impairment with reading a script and have been in collaboration with Erie News to explore options.”
Elora is grateful to have found something she loves, but is keeping her options open for the future. She plans to continue her studies at San Diego State University, and find a career blending her passion for Communications with the Spanish Language. “My disability doesn’t stop me from doing what I love.”
For more information, visit ccs-tv.com and follow on social media.