For brothers Trey and Maddix Cloud, moving from Albuquerque to Questa in 2023 was a return to family roots that has provided opportunity and small town living. Trey, 14, a freshman at Questa High School, and Maddix, 13, a seventh-grader, are the sons of Dana and Brandon Cloud. Upon moving to Questa, where their mother was raised, the brothers quickly embraced the community and programs it had to offer.
Trey describes himself as calm and reliable, while Maddix is energetic and talkative, preferring to relax when he can. Both credit their shared passion for basketball and involvement in community work as key motivators for their success in Questa.
Both brothers are involved with the Cultivo Program, a youth-focused agricultural internship operating at Cerro Vista Farm. Trey has worked for the program for two summers, and Maddix completed his first summer this year. They expressed excitement and satisfaction in working alongside other students and mentors, particularly enjoying the physical labor and results.
“We meet a lot of new people through the program and we really like that part of it,” Trey said, highlighting the social aspect. Maddix added, “I enjoy the harvesting of the vegetables.” Both plan to return for the summer 2026 session, highlighting the encouraging nature of the staff. “All the mentors are really nice and encourage you,” Trey noted.
The start of basketball season is the favorite time of year for the brothers, who are both dedicated to the sport. Trey has also participated in esports, which is a competitive video gaming sport offered at Questa High School.
Both brothers expressed a connection and respect for Questa High School PE coach Ernie Griego. “I feel like coach Ernie understands kids. He’s calm and understands our passion for basketball,” Trey said. They both noted that their dedication to the sport is a significant factor in their motivation to maintain good grades.
Looking beyond high school, both brothers are already planning their next moves. Trey hopes to attend college in Albuquerque or Arizona, specifically naming Arizona State University. “I love the weather in Arizona. I’m not a huge fan of the winter and cold. My hope is to play basketball for a university,” he said.
Maddix has his sights set on a career in basketball, also considering Arizona or Albuquerque, or “somewhere near New Mexico,” to pursue his basketball dream. If a professional career in the sport doesn’t pan out, Maddix intends to join the military. “My grandpa, Alfred Valdez, was in the Army and I spent a lot of time with him when I was young and he would always tell me about his stories and I was inspired by it. Me—I want to try out the Marines. I think they are the most disciplined and I think that’ll be good for me.”
The brothers unanimously cite their parents as their primary source of inspiration.
“They are always pushing me to do better in school and sports,” Trey said, adding, “I think I’m a lot like my mom. People say I act like her because she is very caring and helps people out a lot.”
Maddix called his parents his role models. “They are good people and I want to be like them and do great things in my life,” he stated. The brothers emphasized the consistent presence of their mother: “Our mom works from home. She has always been here when we needed her.”
Trey offered this advice to younger students: “Be kind and curious and take care of your mind and body.” He achieves this balance by “not letting anger take over and controlling my emotions and trying to keep calm in most situations.” Maddix’s advice focused on physical health, noting his observations from his previous home: “Growing up in Albuquerque I saw a lot of kids vape and do drugs. Don’t do that. It will mess up your body. Stay in your own lane.”
Both Trey and Maddix concluded that their involvement in the Cultivo program and basketball, coupled with the strong daily involvement of their parents, serves as their greatest motivators.
