Now in its third year, Raiderpalooza helps transform online relationships into real-world connections, bringing together the Texas Tech K-12 community for a hands-on celebration of learning, creativity and Red Raider pride.

Created as a meaningful in-person experience for students who typically learn at home, the event held in late January once again welcomed students and families to connect face to face through many interactive sessions. During four immersive hours, students explored science, wellness, creativity and collaboration in a setting designed to make learning tangible, social and fun.

Robert Bayard, the district’s superintendent, took the podium at Texas Tech DFW, looking out over approximately 100 attendees, about half of them students, who filled the space with energy. 

Having only joined the team last July, Bayard was excited to attend his first Raiderpalooza.

“We're so happy to have you here in person,” he said, addressing the crowd that was decked out mostly in Texas Tech apparel, some students proudly wearing Texas Tech K-12 Student Council gear.

“Very few schools like ours provide asynchronous instruction while also providing engaging, in-person opportunities for our students,” he continued. 

After a few more welcoming remarks, the students and their families were off to take advantage of the day. 

For Lauren Holder, president of student council, the day was bittersweet. This was her third year to attend, and she graduates in May. For the senior and her family, the event has become a fun tradition that they look forward to every spring semester. 

“My first experience at Raiderpalooza in 2024 was nothing short of amazing,” Lauren beamed. “I had a wonderful time meeting some of my teachers and participating in the spelling bee. The career and readiness lecture is perfect for upcoming seniors. I have also enjoyed seeing the event grow and evolve each year with added activities and a larger crowd.  

“I came back every year because I absolutely love having a way to connect with my classmates and teachers while still learning fully remotely. While I'm sad 2026 was my last year to participate, I can't wait to see the amazing things the staff does with Raiderpalooza.”

Learning Comes Alive

Raiderpalooza was intentionally designed for students, with families encouraged to participate side by side. Emphasizing experiential learning, the event encouraged exploration through doing. Students weren’t just learning concepts—they were experimenting, collaborating and applying ideas in real time.

Elementary students participated in a cowboy-inspired classroom led by teachers Amy Boyd and Lindsey Yost. Activities included a frontier-style schoolhouse, campfire story, map skills and western-themed math. 

Hands-on science sessions led by Brett Mosley were a standout attraction, blending academic principles with beloved Texas Tech traditions. Activities included the crowd-pleasing “Red Raider elephant toothpaste,” glow-in-the-dark chemistry inspired by Carol of Lights™ and electricity demonstrations that sparked curiosity and conversation among students of all ages.

New this year, the tortilla toss competition quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the day. Combining physics with tradition, students learned about terminal velocity while attempting to beat the world record for distance. Cheers filled the room as tortillas flew, and one participant, Evie, claimed first place, earning a tortilla blanket and plenty of applause.

Also new this year, Cam Brown led a mental health session offering students and families practical coping strategies and insight into the therapeutic profession. Brown is not only on the Texas Tech K-12 advisory board but is also an associate professor in the Department of Community, Family and Addiction Sciences and a licensed marriage and family therapist, also in Texas Tech's College of Health & Human Sciences. The addition reflected Texas Tech K-12’s commitment to supporting students holistically, addressing both academic and emotional well-being.

Cooking classes were led by Allison Childress, associate professor of practice and clinical dietitian in the Department of Nutritional Sciences also in the College of Health & Human Sciences. Students and families worked together on healthy recipes while learning practical skills they could use beyond the event. Across the morning, the science activities and cooking classes consistently drew the largest crowds.

Students also participated in crafts, games, a scavenger hunt and a photo booth stocked with festive red and black accessories. Some of the most meaningful moments came from watching students meet friends they had previously only known virtually and discovering just how easy it was to connect.

In the spelling bee, prizes went to a veteran and a newcomer. Third-grader Riley Choyce, who also competed last year, won first place, and sixth-grader Kane Hudspeth, a new student this year, took second.

Riley’s mom, Karen, explained they also have attended all three Raiderpalooza events.

“Riley loves the event and always looks forward to the spelling bee each year. She was determined to win first place at least once,” Karen said proudly. “This is a great opportunity for her to feel connected to Texas Tech and her classmates since she does not actually get to see any of them unless she comes to these events.” 

Collaboration in Action

Raiderpalooza’s success is and has been the result of collaboration across multiple teams and partners. Staff and volunteers were crucial in every stage, coordinating logistics, managing check-in, guiding students between sessions, facilitating activities, selling merchandise, handling photography and videography, coordinating food and beverages, and supporting setup and cleanup. The outstanding teamwork ensured a smooth and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The annual event will continue to grow, as it offers connection. Through hands-on academic experiences and shared traditions, the event reinforces the value of belonging. The strong collaboration, enthusiastic participation and creative programming have set a positive tone for the academic year ahead, laying the foundation for continued engagement and Red Raider pride.

Seventh-grader Kason Castillo, attending the event for the second time, was also grateful for the meetup.

“Both times, I got the opportunity to do fun things that I had never done before,” Kason said excitedly. “The thing that I liked best about it was being able to do fun experiments that I learned new things from. I do recommend attending Raiderpalooza, and I will definitely go next year.