Umatilla School Chief to Attend State of the Union

Oregon’s Sen. Jeff Merkley will have as his guest for tonight’s State of the Union speech Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe.

Several years ago, Merkley and Sipe partnered together to help turn Umatilla’s robotics program from an idea to a reality. Since its inception in 2012, the program has grown enormously, from nine members to 42, and the team has won numerous awards, including qualifying for and competing in the world championships in 2013 and 2014.

“Umatilla’s robotics team is a home-grown Oregon success story to be incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to honor Umatilla’s success by bringing Superintendent Heidi Sipe to the State of the Union this year,” said Merkley. “One of the biggest challenges our country faces today is how to ensure that our kids are getting a strong STEM education that will prepare them for the global economy and help keep good, middle-class jobs here in the United States. The hard work that Heidi, her students, and so many community members in Umatilla have put into building this program is bringing home huge returns. Getting our students engaged in STEM projects and providing them with valuable hands-on experience is exactly what we should be doing, and exactly what this program provides. I’m thrilled that she’ll be here in the Capitol as the President lays out his vision to take on these and many other challenges.”

Sipe credited Merkley with helping to launch the robotics program within the Umatilla School District.

“Senator Merkley was instrumental in bringing STEM opportunities to the students of Umatilla,” said Sipe. “I’ve long been concerned that rural students have incredible talent, but lack access to the STEM training necessary to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Through Senator Merkley’s encouragement and assistance, our FIRST Robotics team was born. Since that time, our staff and community have worked to make Umatilla a STEM launching pad for students. While just a few years ago it seemed that STEM training and college partnerships could only exist in metro areas, the Umatilla students of today have access to STEM classes during the day and after-school in grades K-12 and can take dual credit courses through Eastern Promise to help them leave high school with both training and college certifications. Students in Umatilla now have amazing opportunities to dream new dreams for their futures and it all started with the nudge from Senator Merkley in 2011.”

Sipe said she was honored to be Merkley’s guest tonight in Washington, D.C.

“While I wish every student, staff member, and volunteer in our community could join me, I am thankful for this amazing opportunity to represent Umatilla and will never forgot the Senator’s commitment to excellence for all students in Oregon,” she said.

The State of the Union will be delivered at 6 p.m. tonight.