Denise D'Ascenzo anchors Eyewitness News every weekday at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Denise joined Channel 3 in 1986, during which time she has traveled extensively to cover various stories including a visit by Pope John Paul II and the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. She was one of only a handful of U.S. journalists invited to Chicago to interview Oprah Winfrey.

Denise's work at Channel 3 has been recognized by her peers with dozens of awards, including six Emmys, including Best Anchor; seven Associated Press Awards; and a prestigious Gabriel award.

Prior to joining Channel 3, Denise anchored at WJW-TV in Cleveland. After four years living along Lake Erie, Denise came to Connecticut to get married and become a New Englander.

"I love the history here and all the potential Connecticut has to return to its greatness," she said.

By the time Denise begins her workday, she has already experienced a full day with her 12-year-old daughter, Kathryn. In her free time, she and her husband, Wayne, enjoy family outings and visits with the many D'Ascenzos on the Eastern seaboard.

Denise was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the suburb of Rockville, Md. She has served as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper and was the first person to receive a scholarship from the American Newspaper Women's Club to attend a summer journalism program at the Medill School at Northwestern University.

Denise graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University with dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.

Her first job in television was at WIXT-TV in Syracuse, N.Y., as a reporter and weathercaster. She then moved to the Midwest, taking a reporter position and morning talk show host at KSDK-TV in St. Louis.