Congratulations message to Odyssey of the Mind team with World Finals logo

Odyssey team in front of World Finals banner

Monroe-Woodbury continued creative world dominance at the 45th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals competition this past week in Ames, Iowa. The Pine Tree Team performed better than half their competition - beating 26 other teams from all over the globe!

Pine Tree's Team Mandarino/Imhof proudly represented themselves, our school district and New York State in the Long Term performance for their creative problem solving of the Classical Problem: Opening Night Antics.” Team members include: Harper Burns, Jonathan D’Ambroso, Kaeli Diaz, Sophia Diaz, Angelina Sofia Felix, Ayan Galini, Isabell Gonzalez, Coach Lauren Mandarino and Coach Jaclyn Imhof.

These dynamic thinkers, coached by Lauren Mandarino and Jaclyn Imhof, are models of excellence in group problem solving. The seven personalities blended beautifully to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and respect as they used their knowledge to create an artistic and amusing eight-minute skit solution.

Pine Tree's Odyssey team with coaches

More than 800 teams from around the world competed in the 45th Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. The competition emphasizes creativity and teamwork and has grown into the largest international creative problem-solving competition. Thousands of kids have been working hard all year perfecting their solutions to Odyssey problems and competing within their regions and states. Only a few advanced to the World Finals — these teams represented the best of the best creative minds.

While the competition was fierce, there was an amazing feeling of camaraderie among competitors. Many students formed the beginning of what will likely be a lifelong friendships that span the globe. At World Finals, teams had the chance to learn about other cultures through a common goal . . . to be as creative as they can!

The Odyssey World Finals experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity that enables students to share ideas and connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world. This year was no exception.

As the season comes to an end, the hopes and dreams of all the MW creative Crusaders are set on next year. Congratulations Team!

Odyssey team

From left:

Back row: Angelina Sofia Felix, Coach Lauren Mandarino, Isabell Gonzalez, Coach Jaclyn Imhof
Front row: Ayan Galini, Harper Burns, Kaeli Diaz, Sophia Diaz, Jonathan D’Ambroso