The blacked-haired Monse Montoya, 9th, is a quiet and nice student who doesn’t really like to talk to others. Besides Arkansas, she has lived in Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Out of all the places she has lived, Monse liked Mexico the best.

“Mexico is so peaceful and beautiful,” Monse said.

Friendship is very important to Monse, and she tries to care for every friend she has.

“They are important because they’ve helped me out through everything,” Monse said.

Monse’s best — and worst — strength is listening to everyone’s problems.

“That way they won’t feel lonely,” Monse said. “Sometimes I care too much for everyone and put them first.”

Nohemy Rivas, 9th, first met Monse in fifth grade.

“Monse is very intelligent, beautiful, trustworthy, kind, funny,” Nohemy said. “My favorite memory is when I fell down and slid across dirt. Monse was the only one laughing with me and helped me up.”

Naydelin Barrientos, 9th, first became friends with Monse in Ms. Mullin’s 8th grade Language Arts class.

“Monse is a really nice and kind girl who gives great advice,” Naydelin said. “My favorite memory is when she first came to my house because that day was just so funny and great.”

Written by Michelle Hardwick