Monday, January 30, 2023
By Submitted Story on April 20, 2022
The incredible journey of Kitty Hawk Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) team continues as they have advanced to participate in the OM World Finals at Iowa State University from May 25-28.
The team, comprised of seven fifth-grade students, placed in the top three at the OM Regional Competition on Feb. 26 at First Flight Middle and High Schools, and then followed up that spectacular performance with third-place honors at the State Competition at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on April 2 to advance to the upcoming World Finals in Ames, Iowa.
Representing Kitty Hawk Elementary School (KHES) and the entire northeastern North Carolina region are Wade Benton, Lily Casias, Holden Hudspeth, Lars Lang, Joe LoCicero, Kaitlyn Schwartzenberg, and Quinn Wisecarver. Coaches for the team are Elizabeth Hudspeth, Cindy Benton, Jennifer Casias, and Felisha Lang.
Odyssey of the Mind competitions teach students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. For the 2022 competition, teams created performances about a young person enjoying a regular life in our world until one day, they wake up to discover they somehow were transported into a circus world. In their solutions, teams integrate original characters, as well as stage and drama elements, including lighting effects, puppetry, and elaborate set changes. To learn more about this KHES OM team and its journey to the OM World Finals, visit https://khesodysseyofthemind.com.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” said Elizabeth Hudspeth, lead coach of the KHES squad. “Since October, the students have come together multiple times each week after school to prepare for this competition and have a true appreciation of what it has taken to reach the World Finals – teamwork, commitment, dedication, and a positive outlook. It’s an incredible honor and experience for them to represent their school, the coastal North Carolina region, and entire state at the highest level in Iowa.”
How to help
To help offset the significant transportation, lodging, and meals expenses, as well as competition entry fees, the group is asking the local community to consider supporting their efforts through several fundraising initiatives. For complete details, see below and visit https://khesodysseyofthemind.com/support.
About Odyssey of the Mind:
Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Imagine being faced with a problem that requires an original solution. It can be frightening. Now imagine not being afraid to solve that problem – that is what OM members learn. This skill and self-confidence will carry over to all areas of their lives. 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 so much more. This international program is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as individual learners, grow as team members, and to reach their full potential. Learn more at https://www.odysseyofthemind.com.
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