National Feature Reporter for @TEGNA highlighting the best of humanity. My show “The Heart of America” is streaming now.
Washington, DC
Joined March 2009
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Sean Martinelli retweeted
A full-circle moment.
Our beloved Mario Gonzalez received his Emmy Award from WUSA9’s Sean Martinelli following last year’s unforgettable feature, The Heart of It: Mariofest. Mario’s story is proof that heart, passion, and bringing people together can truly make an impact. Congratulations again to Mario, what an incredible moment! @SeanMartinelli @wusa9
Sean Martinelli retweeted
And the Emmy goes to...Station Manager Maurice Yarber! 🏆 @SeanMartinelli won the award & presented it to Mr. Yarber for a feature story they worked on together in 2024. Watch his story to see how he’s spreading joy & leaving a lasting impact on customers: wusa9.com/article/life/peopl…
At 6 months old, Mason Ryan was fighting cancer. Holly Senn was the child life specialist who brought his family hope.
Twelve years later, their reunion ended with a hug that lasted over four minutes.
Some bonds never fade. Watch their story here:
Charlie Rentzel goes to the Anchor Bar in Frederick, MD every Thursday. When a stranger noticed his Korean War hat, a simple act of kindness led to an extraordinary movement of generosity.
@wusa9 #TheHeartOfIt
wusa9.com/article/life/peopl…
WHAT MADE SEAN SMILE (week 29): Got to check out the campus of UVA on Monday. Then a visit with Miniature Piano enthusiast Janice Kelsh in Hagerstown on Wednesday. Met up with my fellow Syracuse-loving friend Melissa on Saturday. And topped it all off with Jeni’s ice cream on Sunday 😋
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WHAT MADE SEAN SMILE (week 28): I’m turning WMSS into a weekly post. I will share what made me smile from the past week every Sunday! On Monday, I met Robbie Pruitt, who has repaired more than 2,000 bikes for free from his backyard since 2020. That was followed by a beautiful walk along the Washington Habour (and ice cream). Yesterday, I attended a wedding at the Arlington Public Library. Hundreds of strangers showed up for a couple who won a contest to have their wedding there! And today, I visited Charlottesville for the first time in a long time. It’s been a good week 😀
Amon Hill was shot nine times before coming to the apprenticeship program at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. Amon needed a fresh start and got it when he met volunteer Tom Barfield. The two formed a bond that both needed in their lives. #TheHeartOfIt wusa9.com/article/life/peopl…
Years ago, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen owners Sherry and Rob Myers received an extraordinary act of generosity from their community.
They now pay it forward everyday in their Maryland restaurant.
#TheHeartOfIt @wusa9
wusa9.com/article/life/peopl…
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Cheers to 43 incredible years! Congratulations to longtime @wusa9 producer Stephanie Wilson on her retirement. I will miss working with her each day, but she deserves all the wonderful things still yet to come.
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Lydia Sutton began receiving treatment at @ChildrensNatl when doctors discovered she had a brain tumor. Now studying music education in college, she recently returned and treated her care team to a powerful performance. #TheHeartOfIt wusa9.com/article/life/peopl…
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“The Heart of It” won five awards at last night’s @CapitalEmmys ceremony!
Thanks to all of those who have shared their stories of hope with me on @wusa9 when our community needs them most.
WHAT MADE SEAN SMILE (day 170): Coach Mike Lightfoot’s free boot camp classes at the Turkey Thicket center in DC started in an unusual way. 20 years ago, doctors told Mike he was in poor health. He began working out solo at Turkey Thicket when a few people asked to join. That evolved into workout classes that expanded to dozens of participants. His sessions are now three times a week and among the most popular in the city!
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WHAT MADE SEAN SMILE (day 168): On @wusa9 set tonight with @LorenzoHall and @Simone_DeAlba for my latest Heart of It piece. Both kind, talented and amazing people!
