After success at the State Tournament, three Orinda-based Odyssey of the Mind teams advanced to the World Finals, which took place in late May at Michigan State University in Lansing. Wagner Ranch Elementary School took 30th (out of 46 places) in Problem 1 (Vehicle), Division 1; Rotary Club of Orinda team took 7th (out of 38 places) in Problem 4 (Structure), Division 2; and the Financial Women of San Francisco took 20th (out of 40 places) in Problem 3 (Classics), Division 2.
In Odyssey of the Mind, teams of students choose one of five possible problems, then work together for months to create a solution that takes the form of an eight-minute skit presented to the judges at the tournament. With Odyssey of the Mind, all aspects of the solution – script, costumes, props, scenery, technical elements, and more – must be entirely devised and created by the students.
The Financial Women of San Francisco team tackled a problem called “The Walls of Troy,” which required them to create a skit with the theme of using creativity to overcome obstacles. Their solution has ties to Greek mythology, but the team gave it their own creative twist. This is the team’s first year working together. They were coached by Nicole Reader, Isaac Reader-Taatjes and Diego Aguilar. (L-R) Emma Howe, Chiara Poletto, Laurel Reader-Taatjes (standing), Avery O’Connor (kneeling), Anshika Salgia, Elle Johnson and Narayani Chandra.
