McCallie Middle School teacher Veronica Herrera’s efforts to build cultural bridges throughout Tennessee and beyond was recognized at the Extrema X Awards in Nashville.
The Extrema X Awards recognize the work of Hispanic community leaders across the state, and Ms. Herrera’s efforts in Chattanooga’s Hispanic community as well as work highlighting culture as a valuable asset in economic development.
“I was contacted by the organization because they recognize Culture Philanthropy as a valuable approach in defining the effects of the cultural changes we are experiencing in our nation,” she said.
Among her efforts, Ms. Herrera has worked with McCallie junior Christian Callejas on a fundraising event to benefit Venezuelan families. Christian began working with Ms. Herrera after learning of her efforts helping these families in need of food and other necessities.
With the support of Middle School Principal Scotty Jones, Christian sold donuts to raise money and to be used by Chattanooga’s Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, Aqui Somos Paz and the Palacio Toro family to purchase food and clothing to these families once a month.
The Venezualan families being helped by this program are asked to make a cross with natural materials, and these crosses will be displayed at the Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul in Chattanooga in March 2020 when a benefit concert will be held. This concert will feature performances by from McCallie students, the Chattanooga Girls Choir, Voici Virili and Venezuelan musicians traveling from Florida.