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CONTACT: Fred Yaeger 37th Annual Hal Jackson Talented Teens International Scholarship Competition New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - Naomi Rahn, an actress from the state of Washington is the 2007 winner of the Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International Scholarship competition (HJTTI). Naomi won the competition on the Harlem Stage at Aaron Davis Hall in New York City. The 15 year old wowed the audience and judges when she acted to a dramatic piece entitled "My Real Father" which brought tears to many an eye. Naomi along with over 30 other young ladies from across the United States and the Caribbean were a part of the 37th Annual HJTTI competition choreographed by Miss 1992 New York State HJTTI winner Keisha L. Clarke. This year's theme was Giving Thanks for Our Dreams - with a tribute to the greatest dreamer of them all, James Brown. The opening of the show featured all of the world's most talented teens dressed in outfits depicting what they dreamed of becoming in the future. The young ladies, all between the ages of 13 and 17, opened the show in a parade of states and countries. The final competition was the culmination of a week of activities which began with an official welcome to New York City by Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott; a visit to the radio stations owned by Hal Jackson - 107.5 WBLS & 1190 WLIB; luncheons at Justin's, Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too and Ashford & Simpson's renowned Sugar Bar Restaurant; a tour of Manhattan on a double-decker bus; a visit to the Schomburg Center for Research in African American Culture and loads of rehearsals and seminars. In the midst of the very busy week, the young ladies attended the Shooting Star Awards, a formal dinner held at New York City's famous Tavern on the Green, where each year Hal and Debi Jackson salute individuals who have supported HJTTI in past years. Recipients of the 2007 Shooting Star Awards were Delise Jones, Miss HJTTI 1983 – principal of Middle School 117 in the Bronx and Ruben Rodriguez, President of Ruben Rodriquez Entertainment. The phenomenal week was sponsored by ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Inc., Hal Jackson Productions, American Airlines, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Make the Grade Foundation, Ruben Rodriguez Entertainment and Horizon Staffing. Other sponsors include Fashion Fair, CHIP, Luster Products, 301 Entertainment, Razac, Hollis Group, LLC, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, 107.5 WBLS and 1190 WLIB. Naomi Rahn will receive a $6,000 scholarship to the college of her choice. Plus she will travel and receive a diamond ring and other gifts and prizes. Miss Rahn said, "I am looking forward to all of the trips I'll be taking during the year." Trips include the British Virgin Islands courtesy of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board; a trip to Antigua courtesy of the Antigua Tourist Board; a trip to St. Croix courtesy of Claire Roker of Talent Unlimited; and a trip to London with air transportation courtesy of Apel International Travel. The HJTTI 2007 top four finalists are 4th runner up Cathy Cann, Miss Connecticut a 14 year old modern dancer; 3rd runner up Ariel Johnson, Miss Georgia a 15 year old singer; 2nd runner up Ajanee Hambrick a 16 year old singer; and 1st runner up Chandra Turner a 17 year old opera singer. 1007 Talented Teen awards were also given in the following categories include: Miss Personality received by Miss Connecticut, Cathy Cann; Miss Congenality, Miss Tennessee, Aleasha Love; Miss Creativity, Miss Georgia, Ariel Johnson; Highest Talent score, Miss Washington, Naomi Rahn, Highest Grade Point Average, Miss California, Darina Littleton and, Miss Photogenic, Miss St. Maarten, Anisa Dijkhoffz. Pastor Hezekiah Walker set the audience on fire and the soul stirring gospel teen sensation Najiyah brought down the house. American Idol finalist Paris Bennett raised the roof and Keisha L. Clarke topped off the guest talent with a superb modern dance to "Amazing Grace." Judges for the event included Ruben Rodriguez, Elinor Tatum, Jazzy Jordan, Sharon Heyward, Jeff Burns, Enga Davis, Deon Levingston, Ronald Alexander and Rose Pierre-Louis. "Our special International Teen Competition," said Hal Jackson "has been able to offer thousands of young women from around the world the opportunity to receive educational scholarships and trips abroad while sharing their gifts of talent on a professional stage." The event is sponsored by The Youth Development Foundation, Inc. founded by Debi and Hal Jackson. The Youth Development Foundation, Inc. provides a support system for young women and offers exposure to the entertainment and business industries, encourages cross-culture exchange, and nurtures emerging talent from around the world while providing training, educational scholarships, and travel opportunities for these young women. If you know of a young lady who would like to enter the program or an individual or group who would like to run a program in your area contact Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International, 1230 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10128, hjteens@aol.com, call 212-592- 0413 or visit their website at www.talentedteens.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2007
Angela Hollis
609-977-7587
914-525-9198
WASHINGTON WINS TALENTED TEEN CROWN IN NYC
(Left to Right) Cathy Cann, 14 Miss Connecticut; Chandra Turner, 17 Miss Ohio; Naomi Rahn, 15 Miss Washington & 2007 HJTTI Winner; Hal Jackson; Anjanee Hambrick, 15 Miss New York; Ariel Johnson, 15 Miss Georgia 
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