Ephrata proclaims Leadership Institute of North Central Washington Day as graduates thank city

Ephrata city leaders on Feb. 3 issued a proclamation honoring the first graduating class of the Leadership Institute of North Central Washington and heard graduates and participants thank the city for hosting the bilingual civic program.

Summer Hess, who led the program, told the council the 20‑plus week Leadership Institute used council chambers and the Afreighter Recreation Center to train community members in civic skills and advocacy. "We are here today to thank you so much for lending us this space for the last 20 plus weeks," Hess said, and invited council members and attendees to a community meal and a graduation ceremony immediately following the meeting.

A participant who spoke in Spanish described learning civic responsibilities and said her community project will focus on increasing volunteerism in Quincy through local partnerships, including work with The Fuller Center for Housing. Diana Tejeda, identifying herself as a parent and participant, told the council immigrant families must feel safe to participate in community life: "When immigrant families feel fear or uncertainty, that fear reaches our children," she said, urging the council to support policies that promote trust, inclusion and access to services.

Council members read and approved a proclamation recognizing 02/03/2026 as Leadership Institute of North Central Washington Day in Ephrata and agreed to publicize and sign printed copies after the meeting. The program organizers hosted a community meal and graduation next door to council chambers, and attendees were invited to join.

The meeting proceeded to other agenda items after the presentation; no public comment sign‑ups were recorded for the scheduled public comment period.