Umatilla High School student Quin McClenahen instructs Umatilla School Board member Josiah Barron on some of the school’s equipment Jan. 7, 2023, at the grand opening of the school’s new Think Big Space.
Avery Gutierrez, Umatilla High School robotics team project manager, speaks Jan. 7, 2023, at the grand opening of a new Think Big Space at the school.
Umatilla School District/Contributed Photo
Umatilla High School student Quin McClenahen instructs Umatilla School Board member Josiah Barron on some of the school’s equipment Jan. 7, 2023, at the grand opening of the school’s new Think Big Space.
UMATILLA — The Umatilla School District held a grand opening Jan. 7 for the new AWS Think Big Space at Umatilla High School.
The space is a collaboration between Amazon Web Services Inc. and Umatilla Robotics, a Umatilla High School program. The Think Big Space encourages student interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, according to a press release from the school district, and revamped the area the robotics program uses.
The educational space now features advanced manufacturing technology, including improved computer-aided design and hardware support and additional 3D printing labs. This expands Umatilla High School’s Robotics STEAM Program offerings.
The Umatilla Robotics Club led the vision for the space, according to the press release, including its concept and design. Umatilla High junior Avery Gutierrez, project manager for Team Confidential, the school’s robotics team, was one of the students who assisted with the grant application process.
“Succession planning is a big part of our team,” Gutierrez said. “We strive to train the next generation of members to ensure the long-term success of Confidential and Classified long into the future. With the AWS partnership, and our Think Big Space, we have a new legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
AWS Think Big Spaces are part a collection of AWS InCommunities programs that aim to make a lasting, positive effect in the communities where it builds and operates its global infrastructure.
AWS has several of its Thing Big spaces in Umatilla and Morrow counties.
The grand opening coincided with the Umatilla Robotics season kickoff and game challenge reveal.
This year’s game challenge, “Charged Up,” involves stacking cones, placing inflated cubes and balancing with other robotics on a center charge station. It involves both an autonomous and teleoperated game component, according to the district.
Head mentor Kyle Sipe expressed his excitement about this year’s challenge.
“This year’s challenge involves some complex skills — stacking and balancing — that will have a variety of solutions from the various teams,” he said, “which should lead to some exciting matches during game play.”
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