In the Fall of 2015, Blue Chalk CEO, Greg Moyer, heard the Superintendent of the Umatilla School District speak at a convention about her rural town’s robotics team and the difference it was making in the lives of kids there, and knew it was a story that deserved to be amplified. Beginning January 2016, we made many trips to Umatilla to follow the ups and downs of Team 4125 Confidential as they built their robot and competed across the region. They ultimately made it to the Worlds competition in St. Louis, Missouri, but ultimately, it’s not about the robots – it’s about learning how to fail and get up, how to be comfortable with risk, and how a small community, devoted parents, and dedicated educators gives their kids every chance for success. The piece aired on OPB in January of 2021.
We could not have made this piece without the people of Umatilla, who opened their homes and lives to us. It was a remarkable experience to produce and help film this story, and a rare privilege to become friends with the many people doing incredible and inspiring work for their kids and community. I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity.
Role: Producer, Additional Camera
n. h. taylor 