Two teams from Loyalsock Township School District competed April 14 in the Odyssey of the Mind State Finals Tournament at Pocono Mountain East School District and will advance to the World Finals, which will be held May 23 to 26 at Iowa State University.
This year's problems are Ooh-Motional Vehicle, Weird Science, To Be or Not To Be, You Make the Call and Odyssey Angels.
Loyalsock Township High School took second place in the third division of Weird Science and first place in the third division of Odyssey Angels.
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Weird Science (kneeling): Brennan Hepler, Sara Greenaway, Bree Kepner, Sal Frederick, Cameron Hornberger, Thomas Schranghamer and Marcus Stopper. Odyssey Angels (standing): Greg Schneider, Meghan Cunningham, Jeremiah Wilson, Seth Berger, Samantha Scott and Alana Miles.
The school's second-place team is comprised of ninth-grade students.
Team member Brennan Hepler said, "Odyssey of the Mind has enabled me to not only turn my imagination into real stuff, but also to grow and develop into a person that can think for himself and solve problems with and without other people creatively."
"Duct tape can fix anything," said team member Bree Kepner.
Sal Frederick: "First of all, in OM, I have learned basic wiring and mechanics and I've had the opportunity to learn how to use power towels in construction. Also, it is fun to be able to use my creative mind every time the team meets. Most of all, though, it's just fun and I want to go to Worlds to meet people from other countries and trade pins!"
The school's first-place team is comprised of seniors.
Team member Jeremiah Wilson said, "Odyssey of the Mind has taught me a lot about myself. It taught me how to think very creatively on the spot and to be able to come up with very different ways to do things and open my mind to a much more creative side than I previously have been able to."
Odyssey of the Mind has helped me become more confident in myself and more comfortable on stage," said Meghan Cunningham. "I have really enjoyed participating in Odyssey of the Mind and meeting some wonderful people in the process.
Greg Schneider said "Through Odyssey of the Mind I have learned how to approach problems with creative solutions. Any problem that I have to solve, I look at it from multiple angels and find the best and quickest way. If it wasn't for OM, I would never have found my career path in technology education."
Odyssey of the Mind has allowed me to stretch my mind further and interpret difficult problems with some quite interesting solutions," said Seth Berger.
Through the many years I participated in OM, I have learned the importance of teamwork and the ability to 'play well with others'," Samantha Scott. "I have learned that a team that can depend on each other, can work well enough together to make it all the way. I have also learned about creative problem solving, and that there are always more than one way to solve anything!"
Alana Miles said "I have matured a lot through the years by participating in Odyssey of the Mind.
Self-confidence, teamwork and creative problem solving are just a few of the qualities I attribute to the program. I have met some wonderful people and have had many unforgettable experiences."
The coaches for the Odyssey Angels team are Mike and Marsha Cunningham.
The coaches for the Weird Science team are Dan Schranghammer and Tammy Frederick.
Donations may also be sent to Loyalsock OM boosters at LTMS, 2101 Loyalsock Ave., Williamsport PA 17701 or via a Facebook page through fundrazr.com by searching "Help Loyalsock OM Teams go to World Competition."
The teams will hold a fundraising car wash May 12 at Advance Auto Parts, Montoursville.
