The Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce takes time out of its monthly member luncheon to honor a South End student it feels reflects some of the best traits our diverse community exhibits. During the Nov. 1 RVCC meeting in the Rainier Community Center chamber members hosted Hawthorne Elementary School Fifth grader Eriqua Collins to lunch catered by the Columbia City Tutta Bella before honoring her with a certificate of achievement.
A room filled with community leaders dressed in business attire ranging from simple sweaters to snappy suits is intimidating enough for adults to stand in front of, let alone an elementary school student, but Collins walked to the front with a strong smile and quiet manners.
"She's a good student, a good girl," affirmed a mentor of Collins, Bernie Hall. "She's very cooperative, and a little quiet."
Hall went on to describe Collins' love of writing and science, stating that one of her goals is to become a children's book author. According to Hall, Collins has risen above her troubles with math and has even taken to editing a newsletter her mother writes. Hall noted her teacher, Shirley Smith Brown, has seen Collins "move from questions born of confusion to questions born of academic curiosity."
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