Umatilla High School qualifies for robotics world finals

By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA – Umatilla High School’s varsity robotics team, 4125 Confidential, has qualified for the world finals coming up in Houston, Texas. They won the Impact Award over eight other teams. UHS and a team from Liberty High School got their tickets punched for the world event because of that.

The team will compete with their robot as well. They are currently working out some snags they hit with their robot at the Pacific Northwest Championship.

The teams lead mentor, Kyle Sipe, is also being honored as a finalist for the Woodie Flowers award. That award recognizes an individual who does an outstanding job of “motivation through communication” while challenging the students to be clear and succinct in their communications.

Sipe was selected based on an essay written by Senior Project Manager Avery Gutierrez, interviewing teammates. As a Woodie Flowers Finalist, Sipe will be considered for the award at this year’s World Championship as well as every year into the future.

The team is asking for help from the community by hosting a yard sale. Anyone with goods to donate can turn them in at the Umatilla School District Office Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sale will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location.

The World Finals take place April 17-20.