With hearts, hard work and hugs: Ephrata’s Rodriguez prepares to celebrate graduation

EPHRATA — When Bertha Rodriguez talks about graduation, the excitement bubbles over quickly. There’s a party planned, favorite foods on the menu, family in the stands – and, of course, a dress waiting to be worn. 

“I’m excited,” Rodriguez said, smiling. “My mom and dad are coming.” 

This spring, Rodriguez will graduate from Ephrata High School after eight years in the district’s life skills program, marking the end of a chapter defined by growth, kindness and connection – and the beginning of a future filled with work, creativity and family. 

“She really wants to help everybody around her,” said Tanya Piturachsitatit, Rodriguez’s teacher of eight years. “That’s who she is.” 

A helper at heart 

Ask Rodriguez what she likes most about school, and the answer comes easily. 

“My favorite is Ms. Tanya,” she said. “She gives you a big hug when you need a big hug.” 

Those hugs, Piturachsitatit said, are part of a classroom built on trust – something Rodriguez helped create over time. 

“When she first started with me, it was very much about Bertha and what she needed,” Piturachsitatit said. “Now she comes to school to help others. That growth is really special.” 

That instinct to help shows up everywhere Rodriguez goes. In the classroom, she checks in on teachers and classmates alike. At work, she takes pride in doing the job right. 

“I like working,” Rodriguez said.  

Rodriguez works four days a week at different community job sites, including Culligan, Granco and local offices, doing everything from carrying boxes to dusting tables and sweeping floors. She said Culligan is her favorite of the jobs.  

“She shows up every day,” Piturachsitatit said. “She knows it’s important. She puts in her best effort, no matter where she is.” 

Rodriguez beams when she talks about working. 

“I pick up boxes,” she said. “I’m strong.” 

Writing, art and hearts 

In class, Rodriguez practices practical skills like writing her work schedule in a calendar. But some of her favorite writing is more personal. 

“She loves writing notes to people,” Piturachsitatit said. “Usually there’s a heart, a name and an ‘I love you.’” 

Rodriguez nodded. 

“I write notes,” she said. “To make people happy.” 

Piturachsitatit said at the end of most days she gets a nice letter, always decorated with a heart, something she says she will miss when Rodriguez graduates.  

Art has become another favorite outlet. Piturachsitatit watched Rodriguez progress from scribbles to intricate, detailed coloring pages. 

“She now does those really fine, Zen‑style designs,” Piturachsitatit said. “She uses different colors and really enjoys it.” 

Hearts are one of Rodriguez’s signatures in her drawings. 

“I just draw,” Bertha said. “Whatever’s in my mind.” 

Friendship and belonging 

One of the biggest changes over the years has been friendship. Rodriguez’s best friend, Melissa Navarro, has been by her side through classes, lunches and laughter.  

“They giggle, they make plans,” Piturachsitatit said. “They keep each other in check. It’s a real bond.” 

Rodriguez said, “Melissa is my best friend.” 

That sense of belonging has extended beyond the classroom. Rodriguez takes pride in helping others — classmates, coworkers and even her bus driver. 

“I like helping,” she said.  

A prom queen moment 

One of Rodriguez’s proudest moments this year came far from the classroom floor — under the lights at Wenatchee High School’s inclusive prom. 

Bertha attended prom with Ephrata High School and was crowned Ephrata’s prom queen. 

She said she was most excited to “dance and sing” with her friends. 

Piturachsitatit said moments like that matter. 

“It’s about inclusion,” she said. “Everybody belongs. Everybody gets celebrated.” 

Rodriguez soaked it all in – the music, the dancing, the limo ride. 

Looking ahead 

After graduation, Rodriguez plans to keep working – including helping her mother at a family business – and spending time doing what she loves. 

“I’m going to work,” she said. “And make TikToks.” 

She’s nervous about leaving school, but proud of how far she’s come. 

“I work hard,” Rodriguez said. “I try my best.” 

For Piturachsitatit, saying goodbye won’t be easy. 

“Our energy is going to change without her,” she said. “Her happiness, her awareness of everybody else – we’re going to miss that.” 

Still, Piturachsitatit knows Rodriguez is ready. 

“She’s grown into such a strong, kind young woman,” she said. “And she’s going to keep helping people wherever she goes.” 

As graduation day approaches, Rodriguez is focused on what matters most. 

“My family will clap,” she said. “And I’ll be happy.” 

And knowing Rodriguez, there will likely be hearts drawn somewhere nearby – just to make sure everyone else feels that joy, too. 

    Bertha Rodriguez celebrates her senior prom by getting her nails done. She was later crowned the prom queen for Ephrata High School.
  

    Bertha Rodriquez dances at her last Unified Prom with Justin Davis. She said she was excited for prom, but she is more excited for graduation.
  

    Bertha Rodriguez will graduate this spring after eight years in the Ephrata High School’s Life Skills program. She said she is excited for her mom and dad to clap.