NorthFultonTimes

August 1, 2007: After months of preparation, seven days of intensive rehearsals, and two nights of competition, it came down to one moment for Marietta High School sophomore, Ariel Johnson, Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International of Georgia. On July 28, 2007, with the responsibility of keeping the streak of top finishers from Georgia intact, she did not disappoint. Less than five feet, she stood tall above 30 of her competitors, winning 3^rd runner-up in the 37^th Annual Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International Scholarship Program. The crowd was in awe as she performed “Summertime” and earned the respect of others, garnering her the title of Miss Creativity. According to Arlisa Bradshaw and Vickee Clark, founders of Empowering Georgia’s Talented Youth, Inc., who sponsor HJTTI of Georgia, “we could not have asked for a better performance”.

Winners from left to right: 4th Runner-up Miss Connecticut , 1st Runner-up Miss Ohio , Winner Miss Washington, 2nd Runner-up Miss New York, and 3rd Runner-up Miss Georgia, Ariel Johnson.

 Besides winning scholarship money, Ariel hails it as ‘’the experience of a lifetime”New York by Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott. This began a week that included a visit to The Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture, a double-decker bus tour of New York, a formal dinner at the famous Tavern on the Green and a tour of Mr. Jackson’s radio station, WBLS (where he still has a number one show). The highlight of her week was a trip to Broadway, where she took in “The Color Purple”, and her participation in entertainment and business seminars with industry professionals. There were also many people to meet. Actress Kimberly Brook of Showtime's Huff greeted the contestants along with American Idol finalist Paris Bennett, new artist Andre’ and more. However, Ariel was star struck upon meeting one of her favorite singers, gospel artist Hezekiah Walker who brought down the house with his inspirational performance. . Legendary radio personality, Hal Jackson, developed Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International to provide the opportunity for teenage girls to display their talent, poise and intelligence while earning scholarship money, travel and cultural experiences. Ariel encountered this first hand. The contestants were officially welcomed to

   Each year, Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International Scholarship Competition brings together girls 13-17 of all ethnicities from the USA, the Caribbean, Canada, Africa and Europe to participate in intercultural exchange, showcase their intelligence and talent while winning scholarship money and travel. There is also the benefit of making life-long friends from all over the world. To date, winners have received over $1,000,000 in scholarships, prizes and inter-cultural trips to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean to name a few.

 Ariel was able to form those relationships, and more importantly, she has grown as a performer. Because she was able to share formal dinners and speak with entertainment giants, her confidence improved and she is able to clearly visualize her dream of becoming a cosmetologist to the stars and entertainer. “My role over the next year is to help EGTYI educate and encourage more young ladies like myself and share this wonderful experience through the arts and community service. I had a ball”.

   For appearances, to learn more about Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International and/or to become a local sponsor or contestant, contact Arlisa Bradshaw or Vickee Clark at 678-485-8337, 404-312-0373 or email us: talentedteenofga@aol.com. You may also visit www.talentedteens.org or www.myspace.com/talentedteensofgeorgia.