Twain Middle School Odyssey Of The Mind Teams Headed To World Championship

ROSE HILL, VA — Two Mark Twain Middle School teams are headed to the world championship of Odyssey of the Mind, a problem-solving competition.

One of the teams includes five eighth graders and one seventh grader who qualified by placing third in the Virginia state finals. The other competing team is made up of seventh and eighth graders, some of whom have been a part of Odyssey of the Mind since third grade. This team placed second at the Virginia state finals.

Both teams will compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Iowa State University from May 25 to 28.

Odyssey of the Mind dates back to the 1970s, challenging students to solve problems with creative solutions while having fun.

"OM brings the classroom to life as students apply what they learn and combine it with their interests and passions to solve our unique open-ended problems," the Odyssey of the Mind website states. "OM also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more."

Both teams are fundraising to support the costs of attending the World Finals. The second place team is hoping to raise $5,000 through GoFundMe to support room and board for students and chaperones, costing between $600 and $700 each.

"The students will be working very hard until worlds to improve on their performance!" the fundraiser page states. "However there is considerable expense associated with this trip. Not only is there costs associated with their own transportation, but the props need to be taken or sent half way across the country."

The other Twain Middle School team started a GoFundMe page to support their trip to the World Finals with a goal of raising $6,000. The team must cover most of the costs to attend, including travel, room and board, and competition costs with a deadline of April 25. The fundraiser supports a $650 room fee per student and $700 per student for flights or car transportation to Iowa, according to Reyes. The fundraiser does not cover the costs for the coach and three adult chaperones will travel to the World Finals.

The third place team has the benefit of experienced volunteer coach John Clemmer. According to parent Janis Reyes, the team's coach competed in the World Finals as a kid and won.

"Attending the World Finals is [a] once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to compete on an international stage," the GoFundMe page states. "Teams from all over the United States and from more than 20 countries around the world will be gathering at what has been described as the 'Olympics' of creativity."

For more information about Odyssey of the Mind, visit www.odysseyofthemind.com.