Throughout his time in the Moses Lake School District, Emmanuel Zepeda has embraced opportunities, faced challenges head-on, and discovered a clear sense of purpose for his future.

Reflecting on his journey, Emmanuel describes the district’s impact as significant. “Moses Lake has a mission of creating good citizens in the community, and they’ve done that really well,” he shared. “I feel like I’ve gotten a world’s worth of experience just being here. The teachers genuinely care about making sure every student succeeds, and that’s had a big impact on me.”

One educator who made a lasting impression is Ms. Daniella Echeagaray from Vanguard Academy. “She’s always been patient with me when I’ve struggled and encouraging when I’ve succeeded,” Emmanuel said. “That support has really shaped my habits and who I am today.”

Academically, hands-on learning experiences have played a major role in preparing him for what’s next—especially through the CB Tech criminal justice program. As one of the first students selected for the newly expanded two-year program, Emmanuel has had the opportunity to engage deeply with the field. “I’ve gone on internships and worked with law enforcement professionals,” he explained. “That’s really fueled my interest in law enforcement.”

Like many students, high school hasn’t been without challenges. For Emmanuel, the biggest hurdle was finding where he truly belonged. “There are so many options, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—like you’re either doing too much or not enough,” he said. Over time, he learned an important lesson: focus on what genuinely brings fulfillment. “You have to look within yourself and think about what makes you happy instead of trying to please everyone else.”

Participation in wrestling also became a defining experience. As his first sport, it pushed him outside his comfort zone and taught valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. “You have to work hard and communicate with your partner—if one of you slacks, neither improves,” he said. The lessons extend far beyond the mat. “There’s a saying: once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easier. I think that’s true. It teaches you to push through challenges and trust that you’ll come out stronger.”

Looking ahead, Emmanuel plans to attend community college before transferring to the University of Washington to study biology, with the goal of becoming a forensic pathologist. His interest in forensics grew from his exposure to law enforcement. In addition, he is considering becoming a Marine Corps officer, inspired by mentors and his involvement in JROTC.

For younger students, his advice is both thoughtful and practical: “Don’t try to plan all four years right away. Start by figuring out what you like during your first year. Keep an open mind, find your passion, and then pursue it.”

As he prepares to graduate, Emmanuel leaves with appreciation for the educators who helped guide him. “The teachers at Vanguard Academy truly have students’ best interests at heart. They took on the challenge of building something new and have done it well. I know future students will benefit from that.”

With a strong sense of direction and a commitment to growth, Emmanuel Zepeda is ready to take the next step—and make an impact.