Zay the Maker, an 11-year-old Hip Hop artist from Portland, visited Vose Elementary School during Hispanic Heritage Month to perform and share his story with students.

The Beaverton School District (BSD) announced the visit Tuesday, Oct. 6, saying Zay used music and storytelling to encourage students to work hard in school, support their communities and stay committed to their goals. The district did not specify the exact date of the visit, only that it took place during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Thursday, Oct. 15.

Vose Elementary, at 11350 SW Denney Rd., serves about 707 students in pre-K through fifth grade. Hispanic and Latino students make up roughly 67% of enrollment, according to U.S. News & World Report data.

Zay is a Portland-born rapper, producer, drummer and designer who has been playing drums since age four, according to his website. He released his debut album, "Zay Against The Machine," at age 10 and officially launched his music career in March 2026. He is entirely independent. Within months, he secured bookings across the Portland metro area and earned arena play from DJ O.G. ONE at the Moda Center during the NBA Playoffs. His music has also aired on Jam'n 107.5 and XRAY Radio.

In an Aug. 5 PDX Radio interview, Zay described his Mexican heritage and his philosophy as an artist. "Keep going, keep following your dreams," he said during that conversation. "There's always going to be some hater on the sidelines, but when you're actually on the field, on the court playing, that's when it really matters."

Zay is also a youth artist in the hip-hop program at My Voice Music, a Portland nonprofit that offers recording studio classes, workshops and mentorships for young artists ages 9 to 24. The organization runs satellite programs at schools and community centers, reaching more than 700 youth each year.

The BSD also released a companion video of the visit on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Hispanic Heritage Month continues through Thursday, Oct. 15.