Big Dreams in Umatilla — What’s Changed Since We Wrapped Our Doc?
Heidi Sipe is the superintendent of the Umatilla School District and, alongside her husband, Kyle, the coach of the Umatilla High School Robotics team. In 2016, we headed to Umatilla to film a documentary, “Big Dreams in Umatilla,” about her robotics team and how it united a town and taught its kids they could and should reach for the stars. Following the film’s premiere on Oregon Public Broadcasting last month, we caught up with Heidi to find out what’s changed since we wrapped filming and how the film’s been received by Umatilla residents.
If you’ve yet to see “Big Dreams in Umatilla,” you can watch it now on watch.OPB.org or on the PBS app.
1.How did you feel when you were first approached by us with the idea for the documentary?
Terrified. I love to have the spotlight on kids, but I don’t necessarily like it on me. I know that public speaking and advocacy is a large part of my job, and I accept that, but I’m still happiest when surrounded by students instead of adults. I was a bit confused at first, but once I recognized what a special opportunity this could be to show the dedication, care, and commitment to children in our community, I was open to it.
2. What did you expect production to be like, and was the reality any different?
I have a tendency to jump first and ask questions later, so I don’t really think I thought about what the experience would hold. I expected it to be far more about the kids, so the whole time I was “on” I just figured it was for minor pieces, which kept me from overthinking it. I also cannot say enough good about the people who worked with us. Amazing human beings, incredible professionals and the type of people we appreciate having around.
3. In addition to your role as superintendent and robotics coach, you’ve been very active in the Umatilla community. Can you talk more about your work?
One of the things that’s a blessing in our small community is that there’s no shortage of ways to contribute. I’ve been on the Planning Commission for nearly 20 years and try to contribute through various community efforts. Our family has always done construction as a hobby, so for my 40th birthday, we bought an abandoned house across from the middle school, completely redid it, divided it in two and are happy to see it now housing two families. Most recently, Kyle and I realized that we could either complain about all the strip clubs in town, or we could do something about it. We bought the strip club closest to the school and have turned it into a BBQ Restaurant, Fruteria, and Gift Shop. Our model was based on the idea that small businesses struggle here because the overhead is so costly. We charge as little as possible so we can come close to breaking even but have something positive near the school and on the main street. We were pretty excited to see the other strip club in town switch to a restaurant/bar model after we took the plunge. Opportunities like that seem to come our way and we’re just the type of real estate “disinvestors” to lose money on them and still be happy about it. Umatilla is a very kind and supportive community, and we always feel fortunate to live and work here.
4. How have the robotics program and the town of Umatilla changed since the documentary was filmed in 2016?
The downtown is truly unrecognizable. There’s been a significant amount of improvement — new sidewalks, new lighting, and new businesses. We still have a long way to go, but the progress was really motivating. I’m thankful for the work Blue Chalk did to capture what was, as it really helps us all recognize the improvements and stay motivated to continue to work for more. Robotics powers on — the kids change, but the stories, the inspiration, the grit, and the perseverance remain as strong as ever. We have a whole new batch of students, and they’re all just as incredible as the group featured in the film!
5. What impact do you think the film has had, and what has the feedback been like from the Umatilla community since it was released?
It’s been so incredible. I was a bit nervous that people might not like the emphasis on the struggles, but I underestimated their capacity to recognize the challenges while still appreciating the joys. The film is appreciated and treasured by many in Umatilla.
6. What do you hope future audiences take away from the film?
The incredible strength and love of families and communities are well captured, and I hope people leave with a fond feeling of our town. Umatilla is much more than the struggles; it’s the shared commitment, the willingness to try, the grace and support during failure, and the acceptance of each other that makes Umatilla so special.
7. What are your hopes for Umatilla going forward?
As we grow with new houses (about 500 since filming) and have multiple Amazon data centers in town, the demographics of the town are slowly shifting. I hope we grow and prosper but maintain the respect for people and continue to value people of all income levels and immigration status as Umatilla welcomes new families and businesses.
