Middle School Team Heads to Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

After proving itself to be among the best in New York state the Windsor Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Classics Team will now test itself among the best in the world. The team will compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals May 24-27 at Michigan State University.

"We're going against 53 number-one teams from around the world. But we have a shot," said coach Terry Merrill.

“I’m excited but a little nervous. It’s my first time going to Worlds. It was my first time going to States,” said 6th grader Skylar Thomas.

The team is competing in the long-term problem called "It's Time Omer!". The team created an original performance about time travelers looking to discover inspiration for great works of art, finding out that OMER (the Odyssey mascot) was the inspiration. The performance also taught lessons on diversity and understanding along the way.

“Last year when we went to worlds it was maybe the best experience of my life. You go, you trade pins. We got to see other teams and how they use their props in so many different ways,” said sixth grader Jameson MacNamee.

“We’ll get to see some new teams from other states and see how creative they are,” said Thomas.

The team has been working to improve its performance since the state competition on April 8, specifically upgrading its props.

“I’ve seen growth every step of the way,” said Merrill.

The team is excited to compete, but also excited for the experience.

“We’re all going there as a team. We’re going to have fun and have some parties,” said Alli Forbidussi.

“I heard the hotel has a pool,” said sixth grader Lucy Beattie.

“Yes, they all wanted a pool night. I said they could have a pool night,” said Merrill.

Whatever the result in Michigan the World Finals will represent the end of an effort that has spanned much of the school year, testing the team members’ work ethic and creativity.

“When you finally finish with it you look back and see what you’ve accomplished. You feel proud,” said seventh grader Nicholas Marra.