Skip to content

Raffie's Middle School Hero Assignment (2047)

Raffie’s Middle School Hero Assignment was a fall 2047 writing and presentation assignment at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Twelve-year-old Raffie Cruz chose his tíos, Logan Weston and Charlie Rivera, as the people he most admired.

Overview

Raffie’s teacher asked each student, “Write about someone you look up to,” and required students to present the result to the class. Raffie chose Logan and Charlie without hesitation. His paper described Logan’s medical work and use of a cane, Charlie’s music and emotional openness, and both men’s repeated presence in his life even when they were ill.

Background and Planning

Logan and Charlie had belonged to Raffie’s chosen-family network throughout his childhood. They cared for him during the respiratory illness he experienced at age three, and Raffie continued calling both men ‘’Tío’’ as he grew older.

By 2047, Raffie attended The Masters School for middle school. When the assignment asked him to identify someone he looked up to, he chose both men and prepared a written presentation about the different lessons he associated with each of them.

Milestone

Raffie read from his paper in a soft voice and opened by naming Logan and Charlie together:

“My heroes are my tíos. Logan and Charlie.”

A classmate whispered, “Wait, isn’t that the jazz guy?” Raffie continued without responding:

“Tío Logan is a doctor. He walks with a cane, but he walks faster than anyone I know. He taught me how to think with both my brain and my heart.”

“Tío Charlie makes music that feels like truth. He taught me that being soft isn’t weak. That love is loud, even when it whispers.”

“They’re both sick sometimes. But they still show up. For each other. For me. Every time.”

“So yeah. They’re my heroes.”

The classroom fell silent after the presentation. Raffie’s teacher blinked rapidly, one classmate responded, “Damn,” and Raffie returned to his seat.

Participants and Roles

Raffie wrote and delivered the presentation. His teacher assigned the work, and his classmates formed its immediate audience. The paper distinguished the influence of each tío rather than treating them as a single unit: Logan had taught Raffie to join intellect with care, while Charlie had taught him that softness was compatible with strength.

Family and Cultural Context

Raffie’s use of ‘’tíos’’ placed Logan and Charlie within the chosen-family structure that surrounded him from childhood. The assignment recorded that relationship in Raffie’s own words and named both men as members of his family rather than as distant public figures.

Long-Term Consequences

Logan later received the paper after it had become creased and slightly smudged with ink. He placed it in the back of his wallet, directly behind his wedding photograph with Charlie, and carried it there for years.

Events Personal Milestones 2047 Events Raffie Cruz Logan Weston Charlie Rivera