Students on the Veeder Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind team recently competed in the New York state finals competition, placing eighth against other elementary schools across the state. This final competition was conducted at the New York state fairgrounds in Syracuse mid-April.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. The program emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more.
The students who attended the state competition were Sara Callaghan, Elizabeth Chan, Victoria Loaknauth, Rylan Schnapp and Caliana Young.
Back in March, the team received first place in the Region 7 tournament at Shenendehowa Central School District where they competed against other area elementary schools.
Teams got to choose one out of five long problems to solve. For three months they have been working on their solution,” said Veeder Librarian Ms. Pendergast. “Their chosen problem was #5 and it was called ‘The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!’ They had to create an original skit, characters, costumes, and props with no outside assistance.”
After the team won the first competition they went on to use the same project when participating in the state competition. They spent time making small changes to their performance based on the scoring feedback they received.
“The students did a wonderful job competing at the New York State Finals Odyssey of the Mind Competition,” said Pendergast.
Veeder Elementary has had many successful Odyssey of the Mind teams over the years but took a hiatus due to COVID.
“This was my first year as a coach to the students and it was their first year participating as well. They are an incredibly smart, sweet, and kind group of students and we are all very proud of them,” she added.
Congratulations to all!