Broome County schools mark third year competing in OM World Finals competition

By Julie Kumpon Lamuraglia
Principal, St. John the Evangelist Elementary School

The Catholic Schools of Broome County have been active participants in Odyssey of the Mind for many years, with this year’s teams representing Seton Catholic Central, St. James School, and St. John the Evangelist School.

We are proud to announce that our Division 2 and Division 1 Problem 3 teams recently advanced to the New York State Finals in Syracuse. Following the state competition, our Division 1 Problem 3 team won the opportunity to compete at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Iowa State University. This is a significant accomplishment, marking the third consecutive year this team has advanced to the World Finals — an impressive feat given the high level of competition across Region 12 and New York State.

This team has been working diligently since September to develop its solution to the Long Term Problem. Their efforts included writing an original play and designing and building their own set, props, and costumes. The students have dedicated numerous weekends, evenings, and school holidays to their rehearsals.

The team consists of fifth graders Elora Wilson, Joseph Manni, and Carter Otto, and third graders Avery Wilson, Paul Swierk, and Claire Hampton. They are coached by parent volunteers John Swierk and Angela Wilson, who have led the team for the past three years.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that teaches students from kindergarten through college to use their creativity to solve complex problems. At competition, teams are judged on their Long Term Problem solution as well as a “Spontaneous” problem, which requires them to think on their feet to solve a challenge in around 10 minutes.

We are incredibly proud of these hardworking, creative students and all they have achieved.