At times our school seems. . .
As big as a box with 1.1 quadrillion amazon packages inside.
As small as a mouse’s violin.
Louder than a Hot Cheeto girl whispering in the library.
Quieter than a than a trillion feathers falling from the sky.
Colder than the Ice Age and Breakup Tears dripping down from the Arctic sky.
Hotter than lava bursting from a volcano.
As sad as Bruce Wayne at a family reunion.
As happy as a hungry hippo with a hundred hamburgers.
Hyperbole Poem
April 14, 2024
About the Contributors
![Jace Reinschmiedt](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_6855-e1710224671299-451x600.jpeg)
Jace Reinschmiedt, Reporter
The curly-haired, chill Jace Reinschmiedt loves designing fashion and would describe himself as caring, loyal, supportive, confident, and emotional.
“I feel like if you only live once so why be a mean person?” Jace said.
Dance is Jace’s best strength.
“It's easy, and I get it quickly,” Jace said.
A surprising fact about Jace is that he has his own apparel business.
“I like sharing ideas with other people, which helps them start their own business,” Jace said.
Other than fashion, Jace appreciates his friends.
Jace’s best friend is Roberto Romero.
“He's funny and makes me laugh,” Jace said.
Roberto also appreciates Jace's sense of humor.
"My favorite memory is when we played laser tag because we had fun," Roberto said. "Jace is a good friend because we both have the same personality and like to make each other laugh."
Volleyball is a sport Jace enjoys playing with his friend Alex Valle.
“I also enjoy going to the movies because movies are art to me, and I love going to see them with my family and older sister,” Jace said.
When Jaz Reyell Wiggins first met Jace, she could tell that he was going to be a good friend.
"When someone real close to him died, Jace came to me and sobbed,¨ Jaz Reyell said. "It showed how much trust he had in me."
Jaz Reyell believes that Jace is good friend because he is funny, caring, trustworthy and confident.
"He makes my whole friend group laugh with a small joke," Jaz Reyell said.
* Profile written by Kayana Black.
![Christopher Rodas](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240308_110548-442x600.jpg)
Christopher Rodas, Reporter
The mysteriously-quiet Christopher Rodas, 8th, sits straight up in his chair, doing his work, and only talking to certain people.
“I can be kind if you’re kind back to me, but I'm usually a chill person,” Chris said.
Friend Kingston Mckinny’s first impression of Chirstopher was that he never talked to anyone.
“Chris is a good friend because he is super chill, and you can talk to him if you got something on your mind,” Kingston said.
Josselyn Deleon considers Chris a cool person to talk to.
“Others might be afraid of him; yet, he’s a very nice guy,” Josselyn said.
With everything Christopher has experienced in his fourteen years of life, he believes in simply moving forward.
“I'm still alive and kicking after everything that’s happened,” Chris said.
Living without hate would be ideal for Chris.
“It’s draining,” Chris said.
Chris has a lot of love for his friends and family.
“They are the main source of happiness," Chris said. “I cherish spending time with them and doing things like playing survival video games and Mario Party.”
His little sister Nayeli is who Chris gets along with the most.
“I don't really argue with her,” Chris said.
The best advice Christopher ever received came from his dad who encouraged him not to do drugs.
“This was valuable because drugs are bad,” Chris said.
A great memory for Chris with his friends would be when he was playing horror games late at night.
“I miss those times where it was really fun and thrilling,” Chris said.
Out of all of his closest friends, Chris chose Kingston as his number one because they had a lot of classes together in 6th and 7th grades.
“We had more time to have fun together,” Chris said.
America Maciel describes Chris as a nice, good, caring guy who others should give a chance to be his friend.
“Chris always checks up on his friends if he notices something is off, and he knows how to make you laugh even when you’re feeling down,” America said. “He is genuinely kind if you get to know him better as well. Overall he is an amazing guy to be friends with.”
Josseln agrees about Chris’s kindness.
“Once you meet him, Chris is the most amazing friend ever!” Josselyn said.
Lastly, Christopher makes very memorable memories for his friends to forever enjoy.
America’s favorite memory was when she and Chris hung out at his house and talked for what felt like forever.
“It was really great because all we did was talk and laugh to the point where time went by so fast and we didn't realize!” America said. “It truly is fun when you hang out with someone who makes time go by so fast.”
Profile written by Haylei Alford
![Ayden Perkins](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240308_110339-1-592x600.jpg)
Ayden Perkins, Reporter
Originally from Mississippi, Ayden Perkins, 8th, is a tall, caring guy with vibrant brown eyes, short dark brown coarse hair, and a wide friendly smile that stretches across his face.
A flaw Ayden would like to eliminate is caring a little too much.
“People take advantage of me,” Ayden said.
Ayden could do without fake friends and phones.
“They’re not necessities – just distractions,” Ayden said.
The best advice Ayden ever received came from his brother A.J. who encouraged him to do what feels right.
“This was valuable because it helps me to this day,” Ayden said. “A.J. has always been there for me.”
Friends are important to Ayden, and he sees them as family. His best friend since second grade is Hunter Curtis.
“Anytime something happens, we are there for each other,” Ayden said.
KC Martinez, 8th, considers Ayden a good friend.
“He is always enthusiastic,” KC said. “A funny memory is when Ayden and Gyran Ward tried to see who was stronger.”
Christopher Baires Calderon, 8th, first met Ayden in Journalism class.
“We worked on a team project together, and Ayden made us laugh,” Christopher said.
Kayden Odum, 8th, appreciates Ayden’s generosity.
“Ayden loves sharing things without me asking for it,” Kayden said.
Profile written by Christopher Rodas
![Charlotte Marr](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Snapchat-1211116062.jpg)
Charlotte Marr, Reporter
Back in 6th grade, Charlotte Marr dyed her hair black and sulked around. Now in 8th grade, she is back to being a bubbly blonde.
“I used to be so emo,” Charlotte said. “It was so bad.”
A flaw Charlotte would like to eliminate about herself is over explaining things.
“I talk too much,” Charlotte said.
If she could do anything, Charlotte would like to travel the world.
“The world is very pretty and who wouldn't want to see it?” Charlotte said. “I would also buy my niece a car when she’s old enough because I wanna watch her face light up.”
Friends are important to Charlotte. On a scale of 1-10, she would rate the importance of friendship a ten.
A great memory she has with her friend group is when they went to MLK Park to hang out and set off fireworks on the 4th of July.
“I had set one off and thought it was just supposed to spin,” Charlotte said. “When I did it the first time, it didn’t go up on concrete, so I set it up on the grass with trees, and it went up and almost set the tree on fire! Then everyone kept calling me a blonde.”
Oscar Perez, 8th, is Charlotte’s best friend.
“He's the best person I know, and we better each other when we need to,” Charlotte said.
Oscar’s first impression of Charlotte was that she seemed like a kind and welcoming soul.
“My favorite memory is when we went to the store to buy brownie mix and made a mess in my kitchen; yet, we made the perfect brownies,” Oscar said. “What makes Charlotte a good friend is she listens, is always there for you, and is fun to be around.”
Jaasiel Hernandez also finds Charlotte to be a loyal friend.
“Charlotte is funny, energetic, and just always in a good mood,” Jaasiel said.
Allison Ritchie’s favorite memory with Charlotte was when they barked at cars for fun.
“She listens to me when we talk and is there for me when I’m sad,” Allison said. “She's funny, so + 10 points.”
Profile written by Jace Reinschmiedt
![Khloe Kolevris](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240328_112756-509x600.jpg)
Khloe Kolevris, Reporter
As she checked her makeup through her Chromebook camera, Khloe Kolevris, 8th, got caught by the teacher, rolled her eyes, and got back to work.
A flaw Khloe would like to eliminate is getting mad for no reason.
“It happens out of nowhere –- my mood changes,” Khloe said.
To really know Khloe, people need her side of stories.
“People sometimes stop liking me because they don’t know my perspective,” Khloe said.
Khloe’s best strength is communication.
“I can communicate very clearly and even have a long conversation for a while,” Khloe said.
Other than talking, Khloe also loves her family. Her best memory was when they had long conversations about important topics.
“It stands out because it gave us a better understanding of each other, and we talked about things that we hadn’t learned already,” Khloe said.
Khloe’s dad is important to her.
“He influenced me to be supportive of others, even if I don’t like them,” Khloe said.
Another person Khloe appreciates is her best friend, Alex Valle.
“Alex understands me and always keeps it real,” Khloe said.
Friends are important to Khloe.
“They are the ones I first think about when something is happening,” Khloe said.
A great memory Khloe has is when she fell off a water bounce house with Adrienne.
“The way we fell was funny,” Khloe said.
Friend Athena Guerra’s first expression of Khloe she was just like her -- lots of attitude, funny, and loud.
“My favorite memory with Khloe was in 7th grade when we were on our way back from a volleyball game," Athena said. "We sat by each other on the bus and laughed the whole way back to the school."
Athena believes that Khloe is a good friend because she is funny, sweet, and strong.
"These are just a few things that describe Khloe, and that's why she's my best friend,” Athena said.
Profile written by Justin Lemos De Cruz
![Justin Lemos De Cruz](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240308_110441-592x600.jpg)
Justin Lemos De Cruz, Reporter
With a goofy grin, Justin Lemos De Cruz, 8th, lay back in his chair and randomly talked about spaghetti and McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Deluxe.
To really get to know Justin, you must know about his love of food.
“It tastes so good, and all the flavors just go together,” Justin said.
Justin would describe himself as “chill.”
“I don't really do much but just be calm,” Justin said.
Touching 10K is on Justin’s Bucket List because he wants to show that he is actually capable of earning money.
“I would also like to go to Hawaii because the landscapes look so cool and because it's something I've been wanting to do my whole life,” Justin said.
Some things that Justin can live without include tv, pancakes, and beans.
“I don't really eat or use those things,” Justin said.
Justin’s best memory with his family was when they went out to eat at an Asian buffet.
“It stands out because of the food and how good it was,” Justin said.
Of his four siblings, Justin connects with brother Jose the most.
“Jose influenced me to try my hardest in school and get that grade up,” Justin said.
Justin’s friends are important to him.
“Friends are what makes life better,” Justin said.
Justin’s closest friend and cousin is Alex Valle, and he has a unique first impression of Justin.
“We low-key fought because we were little kids, but as we got older, we grew closer,” Alex said. “He is one of those dudes you can trust and stick with. He ain’t changed on me ever, and he is chill.”
Staff profile written by Jacqueline Espinoza.
![Haylei Alford](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image0-545x600.jpeg)
Haylei Alford, Reporter
With a joyful smile, Haylei Alford, 8th, talks to her classmates at her table, while also focusing on her work, and being friendly.
Haylei would describe herself as an extroverted, outgoing, and friendly person.
“I like being myself around others, having a fun time, trying new things, and I’m always there for my friends,” Haylei said. “I love being with my friends, but I also LOVE my alone time and being by myself.”
Haylei’s best strength is resilience.
“Life’s too short to care about things you can’t change so accepting things and moving on are easy for me,” Haylei said.
Haylei has lots of good memories with her family.
“My best memory was when we were going to a lake but kept getting lost, so it took FOREVER to go, but the car ride with everyone was the best,” Haylei said.
Haylei and her family have many similarities, but there are two differences she has as well.
“The music I listen to and the shows I watch are completely different from my family,” Haylei said. “I don't think it's a good or bad thing.”
Haylei has many best friends that she values a lot.
“My friends are as important as my phone,” Haylei said. “I love them so much!”
Her cousin Zoey is one of Haylei’s best friends.
“Even if she’s my family, Zoey is everything a best friend is,” Haylei said. “A great memory was when me and my friend were on Facetime, and we stayed up super late laughing and playing games together because late night face times are always the best.”
Friend Harlow Todd’s first impression of Haylei was that she seemed scared to talk.
“After the first time we talked, I discovered how funny Haylei is, and we matched energy so well,” Harlow said. "One of my favorite memories is going to Walmart with her and Maria before church. We were by ourselves, so we were running around and having a lot of fun."
Harlow appreciates what a good friend Haylei has become.
“Haylei always listens when you need someone and will let you cry on her shoulder,” Harlow said. "We've have moments where we laugh so hard we end up on the floor,” Harlow said.
Maria Reyes’s first impression of Haylei was that she was very kind and funny.
"Haylei always puts others before herself and is always there to cheer someone up when they need it,” Maria said.
Keily Monroy likes how funny Haylei is and fun to be around.
“Haylei is a good listener and gives good advice when someone needs it,” Keily said. "My favorite memory was during football season because we got to spend time together doing something we both enjoy."
Profile written by Nathalie Garcia.
![Deacon Smith](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Deacon-600x521.jpg)
Deacon Smith, Reporter
Deacon Smith, 8th, walks into class with a smile on his face making everybody laugh. The teacher redirects him for interrupting the lesson.
Deacon would describe himself as kind.
“I do charity work by feeding the homeless,” Deacon said.
Deacon’s best strength is helping clean his room and around the house.
“Cleaning helps me concentrate on stuff,” Deacon said.
Deacon’s flaw he would like to eliminate is arguing.
“Arguing causes a problem and doesn't solve anything,” Deacon said.
Deacon’s mom is important to him because she influenced him to do his work.
“She gives good advice and buys me things,” Deacon said.
As for the rest of his family, Deacon believes he is different.
“I look and like different things because I'm blasian,” Deacon said.
Basketball is Deacon’s favorite sport because it requires athleticism.
“I also like football because I can run and throw the ball,” Deacon said.
Profile written by Christopher Baires Calderon.
![Wendi Mejia Beltran](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_5604-587x600.jpeg)
Wendi Mejia Beltran, Reporter
Wendy Mejia Beltran, 8th, demonstrates kindness and joy and has a great passion for everything she does.
Wendy would describe herself as a quiet person.
“I don't really talk to a lot of people,” Wendi said.
Wendy's best friends are Selisica Jimenez and Miriany Recinos.
"I have a very special bond with both of them,” Wendi said.
Volleyball is Wendi’s favorite sport.
“It's a very entertaining game to play,” Wendi said.
Wendi’s best memory with her family was when her mom and her dad were still together.
“We went to see the fireworks for 4th of July at the beach,” Wendi said. "After they split up, a big challenge for me was that everywhere I went, I would see a little girl with the dad holding one of his daughter's hands and the mom holding the other one. She would be in the back just looking up at them."
Wendy gets along with her older brother Christian the best.
“He makes me smile when I would be at my lowest,” Wendi said.
Of the places she has lived, Wendi liked Connecticut the best.
“I was near a beach and would always go there on the weekends,” Wendi said.
Traveling from Fort Smith to Connecticut with her younger cousin is Wendi’s best experience.
“All we did was laugh and talk about the most random things,” Wendi said. “My worst travel experience was from New York to Fort Smith because I felt so nauseous and just not okay and my whole body was hurting.”
Wendi would love to travel to Guatemala.
“That is where most of my family is,” Wendi said.
Friend Miriany Recinos’s first impression of Wendi was that she was easy to talk to.
“Wendi was also very kind and caring, even though we had just met,” Miriany said. “My favorite memory was when we bought a gift for our friend together because we had a lot of fun picking it out.”
Miriany appreciates Wendi’s friendship.
“I like how understanding and humorous Wendi can be,” Miriany said. “She always finds a way to make it a good day.”
Catherine Monterrosa’s first impression of Wendi was that she looked like a really nice person.
“One time when I couldn’t see the board, Wendi gave me the notes, so I could write it down,” Catherine said. “My favorite memory is when we went to the mall. The entire time, Wendi made us laugh and have a good time.”
Like Miriany, Catherine also values Wendi’s friendship.
“Wendi will always be there for me to make me laugh or just make me feel better,” Catherine said.
Profile written by Deacon Smith.
![Kayana Black](https://raiderrelease.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_6980-546x600.jpg)
Kayana Black, Reporter
With her braided hair and dark-brown eyes, Kayana Black, 8th, laughs loudly, flashes her long-red nails, and socializes with people all around her in the hallway.
Kayana’s best strength is not caring what others think about her.
“Why should I care because I'm a beautiful person,” Kayana said.
A flaw Kayana would like to eliminate is being forgetful.
“If something happens, I just forget and let it go by,” Kayana said.
To really know Kayana, people need to understand that she can be a nice person.
“Just don’t get on my nerves,” Kayana said.
As for hobbies, Kayana enjoys being a Raiderette.
“I've been dancing since I was a little girl,” Kayana said. “I get to be a leader and inspire other kids to be on the dance team.”
Kayana’s best friend is Zack Gardner.
“He is always there for me when I need someone to talk to, and he always puts up with me,” Kayana said.
Zailee Thompson’s first impression of Kayana was that she is a loud, happy person.
“Kayana is like a big sister to me and always makes sure I’m straight,” Zailee said.
Tre’Ahna Richardson’s first impression of Kayana back in Kindergarten was that she would make a good friend because she was really nice.
“My favorite memory was 5th period our 6th grade year because Kayana was so funny and kind!” Tre’Ahna said. “She’s a really great friend and loves all her friends a whole lot.”
Profile written by Kaybreigh Waldon.