Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau sent three teams to the Odyssey of the Mind (OM) Western Regional Tournament at McDowell High School Marion, NC on Feb. 25.
The team competing in problem II, “Because I Can,” and problem V “The Most Dramatic Problem Ever,” received a second-place trophy.
They also received the tournament Spirit award.
“This team really overcame adversity, two team members were unable to attend the tournament, and they had to rewrite their script and learn new parts right before the competition,” said Coach Cameron Ward. “I am so proud of them.”
Both teams will compete in the OM state competition in Raleigh, NC, on March 25, where they will face competition winners from all over the state.
Team 2 is made up of Riley Breedlove, Ethan Chavez, Hailey Ferrin, Tomas Dopazo, Mia Rodriguez Saldana, Oliver Chastain, and Coach – Laura Flarahty and Carmen Waite.
Founded in the 1970s, OM teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers.
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.
OM also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and more. This international program is designed to help students at all levels grow as individual learners and team members and reach their full potential.
Some contraptions and devices seem to complicate tasks (think Wallace and Gromit or Back to the Future).
In the “Because I can” problem–and in this problem, the BGCP team created a complex device that performed simple tasks, including floating a ball, ringing a bell, and finally closing a book. Once the device starts, it will complete the series of tasks without team assistance.
In “The Most Dramatic Problem Ever,” the BGCP team created a humorous performance about a dramatic character that overreacts to common events. The performance showcased different theatrical styles. The performance also included something that grew and a costume representing two characters.
“Odyssey of the Mind gives our members a chance to develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” said Ward. “They also build confidence as they perform in front of the competition audience and judges. We are proud of everyone who competed and look forward to taking our teams to Raleigh, NC, for the State competition.”
Pictured at the top of the article is Team 5, made up of Maddie Pressley, Sofia Aguilar Fuentez, Itzel Anata, and Kaeleigh Davis.