FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 4125, Confidential, from Umatilla High School has qualified to compete at the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas, April 29-May 2, after receiving the Impact Award at the Pacific Northwest District Championships.
The Impact Award is the highest honor presented by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). It recognizes a team that best represents a model for others to emulate and embodies the mission of FIRST.
The team’s work includes mentoring younger students, advocating and promoting STEM opportunities, and building strong relationships within their community.
This marks the team's 20th Impact Award in their fifteen season history, making them the second most awarded Impact Team in the world. The top rated team in the world has won 23 awards and has been a team since 2001. This year, 3,696 teams from 30 different countries competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition. The top 600 teams will be in Houston for the World Championship.
Head Coach, Kyle Sipe, shared, “I’m exceptionally proud of the students. Making it to the PNW Championship was a significant accomplishment, qualifying for the World Championship is an outstanding achievement. The PNW District is strong and there are exceptional teams in the PNW and it’s an honor for our team to represent the PNW and the Umatilla community in Houston.”
The FIRST World Championship brings together top teams from around the world, offering students the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and showcase their work on an international level. As the team gets ready for their trip to Houston, they will continue refining their robot and prepare to compete for the Impact Award again.
To help support travel costs, the team will host a yard sale. Community members who would like to donate items can drop them off on Friday, April 17, from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Umatilla School District Office, 1001 6th Street in Umatilla. The Yard Sale will take place Saturday, April 18th, from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm at the same location.