This past weekend, Umatilla High School’s varsity robotics team, 4125 Confidential, competed at the PNW District Championship and qualified for the World Finals in Houston, Texas, by winning the Impact Award. This is FIRST’s most prestigious award and it recognizes a team that serves as a role model for others and best embodies the mission of FIRST. Team Confidential competed against a total of 50 teams at the PNW Championship, eight of which were in the running for the Impact Award. Of these teams, two were selected to receive the award, 4125 Confidential and 4131 Iron Patriots, from Liberty High School. They will now compete for the Impact Award once again at the World Finals among other teams from around the globe.
The team will also compete at Worlds with their robot. CAD Lead and Sophomore Tanner said the team faced a few minor setbacks at the PNW Championship, but is working on making improvements and is looking forward to their robot's performance.
In addition to the team winning the Impact Award and Qualifying for the World Championships, their lead mentor, Kyle Sipe, won Woodie Flowers Finalist. According to the FIRST website, “This award recognizes an individual who has done an outstanding job of motivation through communication while also challenging the students to be clear and succinct in their communications.”
For the submission of this award, students had to write an essay describing how their mentor inspired each member of the team. Senior Project Manager, Avery Gutierrez, wrote this years essay and interviewed other team members to produce the nomination. Here is what a few students had to say:
“Mr. Sipe is so much more than just a robotics mentor; he's an amazing teacher and great role model. Mr. Sipe truly helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. He’s there to make you laugh when you’re down and there to push you to reach your greatest potential. Mr. Sipe has taught me some of the greatest lessons in life. He is the reason I decided to do robotics and for that I am forever grateful,” shared, sophomore Addie.
“Ever since the beginning of my sophomore year, Kyle Sipe has impacted me through both teaching and Robotics in multiple different ways. When I didn't know how to wire the robot from last year's competition and knew nothing about wiring, Mr. Sipe walked me through how to wire nearly every part of the robot and taught me about wire management,” said Junior Cole.
In their submission, students also shared that Kyle Sipe began and is the head coach of both their high school FRC teams and began and continues to help coach 14 middle school FTC teams. Winning the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award means Kyle Sipe will also be considered for it at the World Championships this year and every year into the future.
To support students traveling to Houston, the team will host a Yard Sale. Donations will be accepted on Friday, April 12th, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, at the Umatilla School District Office, with the Yard Sale taking place on Saturday, April 13th, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the same location. The World Finals will take place April 17th-20th.