ECHS Students Compete in World Finals
Apr 25, 2012
Students at Edison Collegiate High School on the Lee Campus have a lot to celebrate.
The seven-member Odyssey of the Mind team beat out regional and state competitors to earn a spot in the World Finals in Ames, Iowa next month.
This is Edison Collegiate High School’s first team to compete in the World Finals. The team members include Billy Kalstrom, Logan Poland, Jeannette Soto, Stevie Smith, Brianna Ras, Chyna Jaffary and Natasha Acosta.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Students use their creativity and intellect to solve problems that range from building vehicles that run backward to creating a musical around William Shakespeare.
The problem that the ECHS team spent months working on is titled, “Weird Science” and is a NASA sponsored problem. It requires them to replicate an Earth location and use a satellite photo as their backdrop. The team must use mechanics to cause a change to that location. The high school’s STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) provided the students with the necessary engineering skills to create a successful project.
“We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and “make it happen” attitude that this team has demonstrated,” said Brian Botts, ECHS principal. “When students attend a school that focuses on critical thinking and communication and then earn a place at a world level competition testing those skills, it seems like proof positive that kids are doing what they are supposed to.”
The dates for World Finals are May 23 to May 27. The group has to buy eight plane tickets and pay for room and food at Iowa State University, which is an additional $555 per person. They also need to ship large props, so any help with costs and shipping would be appreciated.
“I love Odyssey of the Mind because it allows me to be creative without judgment,” said Logan Poland. “I can use everything I have learned in my life and put it to use in a creative way.”
You may contact Arlene Kalstrom, Odyssey of the Mind coach, at 239-229-6926 or 239-461-5338. You can also reach team parent, Donna Rose Poland, at 239-233-5367 and 239-561-8706.
Last Updated: April 25, 2012
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