The Tenerife Cabildo broke yesterday a historic gender imbalance in its recognitions by awarding distinctions to nine women and only two men. They took over the titles of the five adopted daughters, all posthumously, as well as four of the six Gold Medals. Another woman, the first island president, Rosa Dávila, pointed out in her speech that the Island “must regain the capital of Canarias“.
It was an emotional and special evening for the honorees and their families. Journalist Laura Afonso led the event – which featured a musical performance from local artists – where the Cabildo de Tenerife acknowledged the life and professional career of eleven personalities from the cultural and sports world.
The island Corporation awarded Gold Medals to Michelle Alonso Morales, Mario Pestano García, Juan Ruano Rojas (absent), Soraya González del Rosario, Elena Lecuona Monteverde, and Lola del Castillo who spoke on behalf of the honorees. On the other hand, Celia Ascanio Casanova, Isabel Hernández Marichal, Maud Bonneaud, Eve-María Zimmermann, and María Mérida Pérez were granted the title of Adoptive Daughter of Tenerife.
“Tenerife must regain the capital of Canarias and become a global reference.” The phrase was uttered by Rosa Dávila who advocated for “the Island’s commitment to a sustainable tourism model, being the epicentre of culture, major events, innovation, and the knowledge society because we have great allies such as our universities or our knowledge centres”.
The president added that “Tenerife is an Island with enormous potential, with much to offer to the world. I am convinced that we are capable of achieving it because talent, knowledge, and experience abound in us. We have all of you”.
Dávila pointed out that “this event serves to pay tribute to those who have shown exceptional commitment to our Island, contributing to its development and well-being”. She stressed that “the titles of Beloved Children and the Gold Medals of the Cabildo de Tenerife are the highest honour we can bestow and represent our deepest respect, gratitude, and admiration towards the honorees”. She also noted that “we are distinguishing eleven brilliant and exemplary individuals, whose trajectories have made them deserving of this recognition”.
Undoubtedly, she pointed out, “it is an unforgettable day for our awardees and, in the case of those who are unfortunately no longer with us, also for their families”. She delved into the idea that “all of them have accompanied us today, in one way or another, as we have felt their presence very close to us”. She added: “The memory of the absent ones lives on through the indelible mark they have left on us. They have been an indispensable model for our society, inspiring us to move forward and to build our coexistence on the values they represent”.
Rosa Dávila concluded: “As president of the Cabildo, I feel honoured to express the pride and gratitude of the Tenerife society towards our honorees who, with their talent, dedication, and effort, have exalted our culture, our sport, and our arts. Their contribution to a more educated, solidarity, plural, creative, prosperous, and proud of its roots Tenerife, is invaluable“.
Gold Medals
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Adoptive Daughters
Five female profiles to recognise. Celia Ascanio, a teacher from La Gomera and director of the San Fernando Girls’ School for 25 years until her retirement. Union activist of the CNT Isabel Hernández, recognised as one of the great leaders in the tobacco sector in Canarias. Maud Bonneaud, a renowned enamel artist and art critic. Eve-Maria Zimmermman, of German descent and mural painter. Finally, the Herreña singer María Mérida, who would have turned 99 yesterday, known for her sensitivity, honourableness, art, and above all, her magnificent voice.
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