Standout Spartan: Rafi Zepeda '26

Congratulations to Rafi Zepeda ’26, who has been selected as one of seven judges (out of 111 applicants) to serve on the Richmond Public Library Young Adult Virginia Author (YAVA) award committee. Rafi and her fellow student judges will read a variety of YA books over the summer and work together to select the 2024 YAVA Award winner. 

 

“The opportunity to read books seems like a perfect way to fill my summer,” said Rafi, a 2022 Impact Scholar. “Reading books is so enjoyable. I have always craved turning pages, meeting characters, and being immersed in different worlds.”  She added, “There are certain lessons and experiences I will never know about, and having a chance to read about them can give me insight into my own life.” Rafi said it’s impossible to choose a favorite book from the many she has read over the years. “I have read so many it’s hard to remember them all!” she noted.  

 

At Steward, Rafi sings in the choir and performs in School plays. She is also a dancer at West End Academy of Dance.  

 

“My favorite thing about being a Spartan is the community surrounding me and all the opportunities I have a chance to participate in,” she said.