It is a trifecta for the Vestal Central School District – three schools have teams who won their division’s problem in the New York State Odyssey of the Mind championship on April 11, 2015. These three teams from African Road Elementary, Clayton Avenue Elementary and Vestal Middle Schools will head to the World competition in May at Michigan State University.
“Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, problem-solving competition that allows students to showcase and celebrate such diverse talents as music, dance, acting, comedy, writing and engineering,” said Scott Smith, a math teacher at the Vestal Middle School who also coordinates the district’s participation in Odyssey of the Mind. “One great part of the program is that students of all ages have the opportunity to join a team… This year Vestal had teams from the elementary, middle and high school levels that competed at regionals and advanced to states. No other program in the schools accommodates such a diverse group of ages.”
Coach of the African Road Elementary team, Siobhan Davey, noticed how much the students grew in confidence from participating in Odyssey of the Mind. “They learned the power of teamwork and how to respond to adversity at the regional competition,” said Davey. “They used this confidence to win the NYS tournament. We are all so proud of them.”
Clayton Avenue’s Dream Team worked very hard, too, said one of the coaches, Melissa Klinko, who indicated that the students sacrificed many nights and weekends to perfect their presentation. “The long-term skit that they performed was full of humor, and these kids really know how to put on a performance for a crowd,” said Klinko. “The teamwork and skills that the team members have displayed this year has been amazing and inspiring!”
Six of the seven members of the Vestal Middle School “Pandora’s Box” team are returning Odyssey veterans, and their combined years of experience in the program has been a huge asset this year according to one of their coaches, Ann Pellegrino. “They have also shown great teamwork, supporting each other and making great use of each person’s unique talents and interests,” said Pellegrino.
This is the second year in a row that Vestal has sent teams to the World finals, and Smith feels that a large part of this is due to a very active group of parents and students who have cooperated together, cheered one another on and provided support and comradery. “All of the students, coaches and parents are excited at the opportunity to represent Vestal at the World finals. They are an outstanding group of young people who have truly earned this honor through their intelligence, creativity and determination.”
Other Odyssey coaches headed to the World competition with their teams are Jeff Donacik, Vestal Middle School, and Jamie Heron-Starr, Clayton Avenue Elementary.