Umatilla High School Robotics Team Serves Seniors Weekly Meals

Students deliver lunch and pies to local senior living community

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:00am

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Students in Umatilla High School's robotics program have been serving weekly meals to seniors at the Links Senior Apartments in McNary, Oregon. The team rotates members each Friday to help set up, serve, and deliver meals to residents. They also recently hosted a pie contest for the seniors, with Judie Gonzales winning first place for her key lime pie.

Why it matters

The robotics team's community service efforts provide a valuable meal service for local seniors who may not have regular access to meals. It also gives the students meaningful hands-on experience in serving their community and connecting with older residents.

The details

Each Friday, a rotating group of Umatilla High School robotics team members travel to the Links Senior Apartments to set up and serve lunch for the residents. They also deliver meals to residents who are unable to join. The team recently hosted a pie contest for the seniors, with Judie Gonzales winning first place for her key lime pie and second place for her peanut butter pie.

  • The robotics team's weekly meal service at the Links Senior Apartments began earlier this school year.
  • The team's next meal service will take place on Friday, April 3, following spring break.

The players

Umatilla High School Robotics Program

The robotics team at Umatilla High School, which competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).

Links Senior Apartments

A senior living community located in McNary, Oregon where the Umatilla High School robotics team delivers weekly meals.

Judie Gonzales

A resident of the Links Senior Apartments who won first place in the team's pie contest with her key lime pie and second place with her peanut butter pie.

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What they’re saying

“It's fun to help people and I enjoy being around the seniors. It doesn't take a lot out of your day to help someone.”

— Courtney Boddeker, Freshman

“It's great to know we are a team who's willing to come together to help people.”

— Axyl Jimenez, Sophomore

What’s next

The robotics team plans to continue their weekly meal service at the Links Senior Apartments throughout the remainder of the school year.

The takeaway

The Umatilla High School robotics team's community service efforts demonstrate how student groups can make a meaningful impact by providing regular assistance to local seniors who may have limited access to meals and social interaction.