MARIETTA - A woman, long synonymous with education in Gainesville, Rita Collins, has died. <br>
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Collins, who was 99, taught for nearly 30 years in Gainesville. She also taught for 16 years in Atlanta schools.<br>
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Collins was named "Ninth District Teacher of the Year," "Gainesville Teacher of the Year" twice, and "State Teacher of the Year" in 1957 when she placed fifth as "National Teacher of the Year." She received the Gainesville Rotary Club's "Woman of the Year" award in 1980.<br>
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A scholarship fund at Gainesville State College is named in her honor.<br>
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Collins also served on the Hall County Library Board and the Gainesville Art Association Board. <br>
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A private graveside service is planned. (A full obituary is posted on the Obituaries page on this site.)<br>
