2 Umatilla High School students are digging into AI in education
By Terry Murry on Friday, September 18th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA – Wyatt Wilhelm and Soraya Rincon of Umatilla High School are discussing artificial intelligence in education with national and state leaders. Their overarching message is that AI should be used as a tool, much like a calculator, but should not be used to replace critical thinking skills.
The two appeared before the Oregon Senate Interim Committee on Education on Sept. 9. Then, on Tuesday, they were joined for lunch by Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) to hear about what they have learned.
It all began when Wilhelm and Rincon represented Oregon at an artificial intelligence conference in Boston this summer for the Student Senate on AI Policy event. It brought together students from all 50 states to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in education. Umatilla High School was chosen to represent Oregon to send student representatives because of its strong STEM and robotics programs.
The Boston conference was one of diverse opinions.
“Some student senators were in favor of AI in school while others were completely against the idea and said it should not be allowed in schools at all,” Wilhelm said.
Working through different perspectives was an important part of the experience. It ultimately resulted in the Students First Act, a student-created framework addressing AI literacy and academic integrity. Their chaperones for the trip were UHS Principal Rick Cotterell and Human Resources Coordinator Josy Chavez. Travel expenses were supported by Amazon Web Services.
Photo from Umatilla School District of (L-R) Wyatt Wilhem, Superintendent Heidi Sipe, and Soraya Rincon when the students testified before the Senate Interim Committee on Education.
