WVCSD EdTalk: April 23, 2025
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Six teams from Warwick Valley Central School District are headed to the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals (OM) this year. Their journey began back in October, when the teams decided which of the five OM problems they wanted to tackle this year. By their hard work, creativity and enthusiastic ambition, the teams have posted another banner year for Warwick Valley Odyssey, having represented the district well at both the Region 5 and New York State Odyssey competitions earlier this year.
The OM World Finals will take place on the campus of Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) on the weekend of May 21-24. We are proud to be sending our six teams out to Michigan for a fun face-off against creative competitors and like-minded OMers from around the globe, an experience that will not only challenge their skills and teamwork but also broadens their horizons.
OM teaches students not to be afraid of solving problems. Moreover, it shows them that they can apply the skills they have and their natural creativity to solve them. The program benefits students by reinforcing their self-confidence, challenging them to apply their individual interests, passions, and knowledge, to work with teammates on a creative – and entertaining – solution. OM emphasizes a wide range of real world skills, including budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more!
Three teams will be competing in Problem #1: The OMazing Race. This year’s entry into the “vehicle” category of problems challenges OMers to design, build, and operate an all-terrain vehicle that can transport riders on a race for a prize. Each performance must also include: a race to three original destinations; each leg of the race must include an obstacle to overcome; a host who narrates the action. The conclusion must share the realization that the prize for finishing the race was not as exciting as the Odyssey they took along the way.
Good luck to our Problem #1 teams! The Sanfordville team made it to worlds by finishing 1st out of 16 teams and winning the prestigious Renatra Fusca Creativity Award at states. Another team that placed first at states, Warwick Valley High School, is also set to compete in The OMazing Race, as well as the team from Warwick Valley Middle School, which placed 3rd in a competitive field of 13 teams at states.
A team from Warwick Valley Middle School will compete in Problem #2: Mech-Animal Sidekick. The team made it to worlds by finishing 1st among 15 teams in the state competition. Problem #2 is a “technical” challenge centered around the saying, “dog is man’s best friend.” The OMers are challenged to design, build, and operate an original robotic animal with the ability to make people happy. Each performance must include: the titular Mech-Animal and a toy for it to play with; live music; a trainer character who explains the tricks. When the pet suddenly goes missing, it turns up in a very unusual place!
A Park Avenue team that scored a 3rd place finish in a field of 16 teams at states is set to pit their problem-solving performance against worldwide competition in the classics category, with Problem #3: Cooking with Books. OMers must stage a performance about an original chef character inspired by fictional literary characters and events. Teams choose their selected lit classic and create a gourmet meal based on their book. Performances must include: a setting that inspired the meal; an original cooking gadget; a dinner party featuring a character from the book and the meal.
Finally, good luck to the Warwick Valley High School OMers who are competing in Problem #5: AstronOMical Odyssey! The WVHS team placed 1st out of 15 teams with their performance at states. This year’s problem in the “performance” category challenges students to create a humorous performance set in a team-created “historical” civilization. Their civilization must have stars in the sky and unique stories/myths/legends that explain them. Performances must include: a humorous astronomer with a “stellar” costume; lighting effects; a shooting star.
Join me in wishing our Warwick Valley Odyssey teams safe travels and good luck at Michigan State in May! Your outstanding talent and hard work this season have been commendable. And a special note of gratitude to the coaches and parent boosters who support our outstanding OM program.