KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee freshman Kate Phelps is traveling to ABC Studios in New York this week to tape an interview for the network’s Good Morning America program.
Phelps, from Lewisburg, Tenn., will be interviewed Thursday by GMA parenting contributor Ann Pleshette Murphy for a segment on university students finishing their first semester of school.
Phelps said she’s thrilled to be making the trip, and looking forward to discussing her experiences at UT.
“I’m excited and a little nervous,” she said. “I’ve never been on national television before, but I have been on stage. I’ve competed in 4-H Club speech contests and I’ve addressed large groups of people in my other club activities. I’ve always sort of been up in front of people.”
The whole process of getting to the Big Apple for her interview has been very quick, Phelps said.
“I’d spoken with one of their producers, who cautioned me that it might not happen, but then yesterday she called me with my travel arrangements for Wednesday.
“It’s been crazy since then, because I had to hurry up and take my remaining finals by today so I can catch my flight.”
Phelps’ class load for her first semester included honors English, honors political science, economics, world geography and theatre.
“I had a 4.0 GPA in high school, so I was fortunate enough to qualify for several scholarships to UT, but that means I need to work hard to keep my grades up.”
Her plans for Christmas in Manhattan once the taping wraps up?
“I’m definitely seeing a Broadway musical or two and spending some time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” she said. “I’ve been to New York before and done the shopping thing, so this time I want enjoy the cultural activities.”
No air date has been set for the segment.
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Contact: Charles Primm (865-974-5180)
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