Pinckneyville Middle School Kids Headed for the Odyssey of the Mind World Championship

This time last year a determined team of creative problem-solvers from Simpson Elementary School represented our city and state on the international scene at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals hosted at Iowa State University where they finished first in the world and brought home an enormous trophy and memories that will last a lifetime. This May, five members of that winning team plus two new members will be heading back to the World Finals to represent Pinckneyville Middle School, and they need your support.

What is Odyssey of the Mind?

Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) is an international program that allows teams of students to solve problems in a creative manner. Each year, the teams are given long-term problems that they will solve with certain criteria included in the solution.

Also included is a “spontaneous problem” wherein teams are asked to perform random tasks on the spot without prior preparation. For example, a team will be asked to create a bridge made of unique materials that can support a certain amount of weight. To solve these types of problems, teamwork and good communication are required, along with creativity. Plus, they have to think under pressure. This makes the program challenging and fun at the same time.

Overall, the OotM is a program that combines science, technology, engineering, and math with arts (STEAM)! They allow the students to bring out their knowledge and ideas in an exciting and productive environment.

Why the Odyssey of the Mind is Good for the Kids

Children can gain a lot of benefits by joining the Odyssey of the Mind. For one, healthy competitions, such as the OotM, inspire kids to do their best not only in the competition but in everything they do in life, especially in their studies. But, that’s not all. This program enables the participants to build their self-confidence, create new friendships, and develop their life skills. It also allows them to explore and recognize their true potentials. Overall, this program allows the students to learn while having fun.

Meet the Team

This year’s team from Pinckneyville Middle School is composed of seven students (six sixth-graders and one fourth-grader), namely Addie, Claire, Elisa, Emma, Kylie, Molly, and Sophia. They have been working very hard since September to prepare for this year’s competition. They’ve created an original play, including writing the script and making the costumes, sets, props, and make-up. They’ve done all these things without help from adults and with a budget of only $125 – because those are the rules!

Their hard work was rewarded when they won First Place at both the regional competition last February and the Georgia State Finals held earlier this month. They’ve achieved this despite being one of the youngest competitors in the middle school division. But their journey is not yet over. They are now qualified for the World Finals, and they have to defend their title as World Champs this May in Michigan.

Who’s the Competition?

Odyssey of the Mind started under the name of the “Olympics of the Mind.” It has programs for kids starting in kindergarten to college. This year, these talented and skillful students will be contending against teams from the United States as well as Australia, Argentina, Canada, China, Mexico, the UK, and many more. It is exciting and inspiring to see our students compete on a global stage.

Show Your Support

The students of the Pinckneyville Middle School (Addie, Claire, Elisa, Emma, Kylie, Molly, and Sophia) have definitely done an amazing job reaching the World Finals for the Odyssey of the mind. But they are hoping that you can help them raise some money for their registration fees, meals, lodging, transportation, and other necessities.

The competition will take place from May 22-25, and the team would like to have the donations in by May 17th.

As these students write, “It is an honor once again to be one of the teams from all over the world that will be competing at the World Finals and to represent Peachtree Corners, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and the state of Georgia! We sincerely appreciate any assistance, large or small, that you can provide as we prepare to make the long trek from Georgia to Michigan! Thank you!”

You can visit their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/pinckneyville-odyssey-of-the-mind

With that, let’s encourage and support them as they represent Gwinnett County on an international scale!