Green Vale welcomed back alumna Sara Ely Hulse ’89, Coordinating Development Producer at CBS News, who spoke with Upper School students about her career in investigative journalism and the power of storytelling.
In her role with 48 Hours, Hulse works behind the scenes researching, writing, interviewing, and coordinating complex stories—many of which unfold over years as they move through the justice system. She shared that it is not uncommon to follow a story for five or more years, emphasizing the patience, persistence, and attention to detail required in her field.
Hulse’s work has earned four Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards (2014 and 2019), including Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story for Caught, a special on the Boston Marathon bombing, and another for 39 Days, a report on the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, she has received a Sigma Delta Chi Award, a New York Press Club Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Gracie Award for her reporting.
During her talk, Hulse spoke about the challenges and thrilling nature of her work, describing a career that requires adaptability, curiosity, and strong storytelling skills. She also shared how her work has taken her across the United States and around the world, offering students a glimpse into the dynamic and often unpredictable reality of working in news.
Long before her career took her around the world, Hulse was a student at Green Vale, where her love of reading and writing began to take shape. She credited former teacher Mr. Simonds, who taught English and History, with helping spark her interest in storytelling—an influence that continues to shape her work today.
After graduating from Green Vale, Hulse attended St. George’s School and later Denison University. Her first job out of college was at Time Magazine, and one of her earliest formative experiences came when she joined a documentary project in Vietnam. Instead of a salary, the director covered her travel expenses, allowing her to spend six months working in Southeast Asia—an experience that reinforced both her love of travel and storytelling.
Over the course of her career, that curiosity has taken her to a wide range of stories and settings—from long-term investigative reporting to major global events. Today, in her role with 48 Hours, she continues to help develop stories that often unfold over years, requiring persistence, quick thinking, and the ability to connect with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Her message to students emphasized the importance of strong writing, curiosity, and perseverance, as well as the understanding that there are often many ways and angles to tell a story.
Her visit provided students with a meaningful opportunity to see how the skills they are developing in the classroom can translate into impactful and far-reaching careers.
Green Vale is grateful to Sara Ely Hulse for returning to campus and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.