Two students join Rock Falls Chamber

ROCK FALLS – For two local high students, working with the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce is an honor.

Rhyanna Hadden, a junior at Newman Central Catholic High School, has been named as a junior ambassador for the Rock Falls Chamber of Commence Ambassadors Club.

Raven Valdivia, a junior at Rock Falls High School, has been named the new junior board member for the chamber.

“I’m honored to be part of it, “ said Hadden, 16. “I’ll be able to work with the community and work with adults to see their views on the community. It will help me decide what I want to be when I get older.”

Members of the Rock Falls Ambassadors Club take an interest in their community and are among the first to welcome businesses into the community. They host ribbon-cuttings, volunteer to help with events, and fund-raise for student scholarships.

“When given the opportunity to mentor and help youth, our ambassadors were excited and ready to embrace Rhyanna Hadden as a new junior ambassador,” said Bethany Bland, president of the Rock Falls Chamber.

As a junior ambassador, Hadden will do what the other ambassadors do: help welcome people to the community, and help with community events, among other things.

“My job will also be to give ideas,” said Hadden, the daughter of Suzy Simmer. “I think they would like to know about the future generation and what we can do.”

Valdivia, the daughter of Claudia and Robert Valdivia, was selected by the board.

“Being chosen to be a junior board member is an honor,” Valdivia said. “I really hope this position will help me further my involvement with the community and help make my town better.”

Bland said Valdivia will attend board meetings, in which she’ll have a vote, and help with projects.

While at the meetings, Valdivia also will share what is happening at Rock Falls High.

“Even as a teenager, I will have the responsibility of an adult,” said Valdivia, 16. “I love my city, and I want nothing more than to improve it and have a say in the decisions being made for my city.”

Bland said having high school students get involved with the chamber is definitely a benefit for them.

“This teaches them what it’s like to be a professional in a business world,” Bland said.