Two Warwick Odyssey teams finish first to advance to state tournament

Teams from Warwick Valley High School and Sanfordville Elementary School finished in first place in the Mid-Hudson Regional (New York State Region 5) Odyssey of the Mind Competition on Saturday at Orange-Ulster BOCES and will advance to the state tournament.

Additionally, a team from Warwick Valley Middle School finished second, and a team from Park Avenue Elementary School placed third.

“It’s always a fun day at the Odyssey of the Mind regional competition,” Warwick Odyssey of the Mind coordinator Christy Brown said. “All of the teams have worked so hard and finally got to share their solutions to the problems.  Congrats to all six of our teams for such a great season!”

First place winners in each problem and division advance to the New York State Odyssey of the Mind Tournament on March 25 at the New York State Fairgrounds. A total of 58 teams from 13 schools from Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Dutchess counties competed in the Mid-Hudson Region.

The purpose of the competition is to focus on creative problem-solving using a team approach. It is based on the concept that “mind games” can be played with as much enthusiasm and competitive spirit as athletic games.

The problems are divided into five categories that include both long-term and spontaneous problem solving. Teams are scored on a combination of points earned from long-term solutions, spontaneous solutions and style. 

1st place: Sandfordville Elementary School, Problem 1, Division I, coached by Heidi Powers and Kevin Powers. Team members: Eamonn Byrne, Blake Harrison, Madison Candia, Lilah Diaz, Angelica Costanza, Max Powers, John Powers

1st place: Warwick Valley High School, Problem 2, Division III, coached by Casey Mears. Team members: Sophia Amato, Arianna Weinberg, Mary Hoey, Sophia Samborski, Alanna Adee, Olivia Holland, Cavan Byrne

2nd place: Warwick Valley Middle School, Problem 3, Division II, coached by Kerin Lijoi , Justin Lijoi. Team members: Juliana Adee, Nina Cirillo, Isabella Constanza, Lucas Cresser, Thelo Kastan, Maddie Lijoi, Livianja Thompson.

3rd place: Park Avenue Elementary School, Problem 3, Division I, coached by: Kerin Lijoi , Justin Lijoi and assistant coach Ava Gell. Team members: Juliana Adee, Nina Cirillo, Isabella Costanza, Lucas Cresser, Thelo Kastan, Maddie Lijoi and Livianja Thompson.

View complete Region 5 results and scores.

View a slideshow from the competition below: