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 
 
COBB COUNTY STUDENT WINS LABOR DEPARTMENT'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST 
 
ATLANTA -- Ricaelle Gonzalez of Acworth, a junior at North Cobb High School, was named first-place winner 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 $100 check to Gonzalez. 
 
Gonzalez won for a speech entitled, "Breaking Through Cultural Stereotypes in the New Millennium." She said: "In this new millennium, it's imperative for African-Americans to shed the cultural stereotypes that hinder us. With each African-American that defies the stereotypical image placed upon us, that stereotype can only be weakened, until finally, it has been diminished. 
 
"There needs to be a positive message sent to the African-American youth, because children are the future leaders. There should be an emphasis to be better than others, not just equal to them. Mediocrity should not be accepted, excellence should be the goal. It should be instilled in us that striving for the top is reachable, and that it's important to break through any stereotypes that stop us, a new generation with new hopes, and void of negative stereotypes." 
 
Matthew Hall, a senior at South Atlanta High, was named first runner-up in the public speaking contest, while Stephanie Samuels, a junior at Newnan High, was named second runner-up. The students received $50 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 
 
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 Georgia Department of Labor - Press Release 
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-00-395 
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer 
 
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