Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release 
Georgia Department of 
Labor 
Suite 642  148 International Boulevard N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032 
 
March 2, 2000 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
SOUTH ATLANTA STUDENT WINS RUNNER-UP HONORS IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 
 
ATLANTA -- Matthew Hall, a senior at South Atlanta High, was named first runner-up in a public speaking contest sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor during the department's eighth annual Black History Month celebration held recently in Atlanta. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond presented the award and a $50 check to Hall. 
 
Hall was named first runner-up for a speech entitled, "Breaking Through Cultural Stereotypes in the New Millennium." First-place honors went to Ricaelle Gonzalez of Acworth, a junior at North Cobb High School, while Stephanie Samuels, a junior at Newnan High School, took second runner-up honors. Each student spoke on the same subject. Gonzalez and Samuels received checks for $100 and $30 respectively. 
 
In an essay writing contest entitled, "Heritage and Horizons -- The African-American Legacy and Challenges of the 21st Century," three award winners were named. Tedrick D. Kelly of Waynesboro, an eighth grader at Burke County Middle School, won in the 6-8 grade category; Jessica Jackson of Atlanta, a sophomore at Douglass High School, won in the 9-10 grade competition; and Brandy A. Sims of College Park, a senior at Banneker High School, won in the 11-12 grade group. Each winner received $50. 
 
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 656-3032. 
 
E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us. 
 
FY-00-393 
 
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 Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release 
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer 
 
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