Over the past several months, 50 students from Gorham participated on eight competing teams to solve problems offered by Odyssey of the Mind, an international educational program promoting creative problem solving.
Students learned how to collaborate, develop skills for life, and find an outlet for creative thinking. All teams presented their solutions to audiences during Regional and Primary Tournaments in March, with five teams earning an invitation to advance to the State Competition in Biddeford on April 7.
At the State Tournament, all five Gorham teams earned a trophy: three first place and two second place, in their respective divisions.
The Gorham High School Vehicle Team earned first place in Div. III for their humorous “Star Wars” theme and efficiently designed vehicle. The team was coached by Ben Wilkins.
The Great Falls Performance Team earned first place in Div. I for their creative and colorful alien skit that entertained the audience. This team was coached by Bethany Emerson and Matthew Paul.
The first place Gorham Middle School Performance Team in Div. II amazed the crowd with their creative use of set, props, and lyrics. The team was coached by Misty D’Amico.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” said Emma Mullin. “Odyssey teaches us skills for life. Like how to manage a budget and become a better writer.”
Will Stein said, “I’m glad we can go to World Finals. It was my goal.”
The GMS Div. II Classics Team was coached by Sara Castonguay and earned second place for their creative skit based on the classic story, Charlotte’s Web. “I love seeing the problems each year and how they make them new and different,” said Clara Shvets.
Village School’s Div. I Classics Team earned second place for their entertaining twist to the classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. The team was coached by Jennifer Dubail.
Congratulations to the three other Gorham teams for their hard work and creative solutions. The Village Performance Team was coached by Adam Rush and presented during the Discovery Tournament.
In addition, Gorham’s two Primary Teams performed their original solutions depicting a cooking show in the K-2 Non-Competitive Primary Tournament. These teams also prepared a skit and performed in front of an audience. Village School’s Team was coached by Diane Knott and Great Fall’s Team was coached by Christine Lu-Emerson and Daniel Emerson.
Well done Gorham OMers. At press time, one qualifying team plans to attend the World Finals in Ames, Iowa on May 23-26 while two others are considering the trip. To support the team(s) or make a donation, please contact Diane Knott at diane.knott@gorhamschools.org.
Photo credit Ben WilkinsFirst place Vehicle Team, GHS, Div. III (left to right): Jude Huckaby, Rowan Connor-McCoy, Bodhi Wilkins, Campbell Fowler, Kieran Wilkins, and Zakaria Lembarra.
Photo credit Diane KnottFirst place Performance Team, Great Falls, Div. I (left to right): Eleanor Morgan, Patricia Waters, Laurel Emerson, Isabella Davis, Gretchen Paul, and (front) Terra Rioux.
Photo credit Diane KnottFirst place Performance Team, GMS, Div. II (left to right): (front): Samuel D’Amico, Nash Gagnon, Emma Mullin, Megan Wentworth; (middle): William Stein; (back): Evan Verrill and Noah Badeau.
Photo credit Diane KnottSecond place Classics Team, GMS, Div. II (left to right): (front): Erin Castonguay, Ethan Castonguay, Brandon Sadowski; (back): Abigail Houp, Clara Shvets, and Sawyer Haines.
Photo credit Jennifer DubailSecond place Classics Team, Village, Div. I (left to right): (front): Natalie Miner, Winnie Dubail, Ellery Herrick, Libby Springer, Lucy Dubail, Ella Goff; and (back) Evelyn Rush.
Photo credit Jennifer RushDiscovery Performance Team, Village, Div. I (left to right): Bennett Deveau, Stephen Richards, Jack Cyr, Sam Merrow, Lily Beardsley, and Addison Rush.
Photo credit Diane KnottPrimary Tournament Team, Village, Div. I (left to right): Nara Holland, Tucker Curtis, Sawyer Wheaton, Emma Howe, and Aidan Beardsley.
Photo credit Diane KnottPrimary Tournament Team, Great Falls, Div. I (left to right): (front): Abe Palme, Nina Joy; (middle): Charlie Littlefield, Sam Joy, Grant Emerson, Benjamin Emerson; and (back) Oliver Emerson.