Dove Hill Newsroom

Charles Crosby

James Herrera is an important figure on the Holly Oak campus. Not just because he's a beloved individual, a warm and approachable person and someone who always has time for members of the Holly Oak community, student and grown up, alike. Herrera has also made his literal mark on the campus, helping transform Holly Oak into a beautiful, unique landscape that brings a smile to anyone who crosses the grounds.

Herrera is Holly Oak's custodian and has taken on a special project to help inject a little color into the community, constructing art installations as part of the campus landscaping ranging from a fully realized "tree" in the library, to the famous hawk sculpture atop another tree on campus. He has also turned flowerbeds and other flora into beautiful designs.

Holly Oak's SEAL Coach Maribeth Rodriguez says, "Our...staff is so lucky to have James. In recent months, he has gone above and beyond to beautify our school. His commitment to the students, staff and campus is incredible."

Teacher Linda Young hosted a "Q&A session" between her students and Herrera and when questioned he noted how much he enjoyed "making the school beautiful." He also noted that he's grateful for the opportunity to do this work as it makes him feel "special." He further pointed out that his main job is as a custodian but as the groundskeepers are spread thin throughout the District, it affords him a chance to help backfill doing something he loves. When asked why he does it, he pointed out that he "spends so much time here, it feels like my home." Like anyone, Herrera wants his home clean, uncluttered and beautiful.

It doesn't take much prompting from Holly Oak staff to get them talking about the impact Herrera has had on the school. "I have been very impressed by the imagination and creativity James has invested in (these) landscaping projects, says Karen McBeath, Holly Oak's speech therapist. "For instance, he has made the area in front of our kindergarten classes into a magical walkway, filled with decorative frogs, lizards, painted butterflies, and even a caterpillar bush.""There are so many wonderful things James has done to make our school special," adds School Secretary Corinna Diener. "I think my favorite is when people come to the office and are in awe over how beautiful our campus is! I have been told by a couple of substitutes that Holly Oak has the prettiest campus of any school they have subbed at and then I get to brag about how wonderful James is!"

Many note how much Herrera's contributions have created a new sense of joy and cordiality on the campus. "The artistic touches give our school a sense of warmth and whimsy," notes Art prep Teacher Karen Drygas, "Walking around the campus you can't help but smile at the little surprises popping out all around."

The community will be watching to see what magic Herrera weaves next as he continues his effort to make Holly Oak, his home away from home, welcoming to all.