Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Fundraiser

Hello Friends and Family!

 

We are the proud coaches of a 3rd grade Odyssey of the Mind team (Ali, Amelia, Anushka, Emily, Gavin, Ishaan, Vivi) who have accomplished something extraordinary. Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a problem-solving competition in which a group of students must devise a creative solution to a novel problem entirely on their own, with no outside help. In their first year of competing, this team of creative kids advanced through the Regional and State competitions in California, and have now landed in Iowa, for the World Finals competition!

 

The team was formed in October 2021. They call themselves the "Banana Masters," and, in a nutshell, their problem was to create an original threat to the environment and build a technical device to remove this threat.

 

They started as seven inexperienced youngsters unsure of themselves, but were determined to work together on their solution. Through this experience, they have learned so much about out-of-the-box thinking, performing under pressure, teamwork, persistence, learning how to take criticism and using that as a driving force to make improvements to their overall solution. We are so proud of what they've accomplished and how much they've grown.

 

The World Finals competition will be held in Ames, Iowa between May 25 and May 28. The perspective and experience these kids will gain from competing against different countries at the World Finals will be something that they will never forget.

 

The team is now asking for financial support to help cover some of the fees associated with housing, transportation, and registration fees to bring seven different families to the World Finals. The total amount per family is about $2000. Any support you are able to contribute would be greatly appreciated.

Recently, we were also featured in the local newspaper, East Bay Times, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education website!
We are the Walt Disney Elementary School Team, Division 1, competing in Problem 2, Odyssey ReOmvention. 

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/04/23/in-brief-seven-contra-costa-schools-win-odyssey-of-mind-contest-divisions

https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1077397&pageId=36112516

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Megan Schulman and Priscilla Chan