VHS Odyssey of the Mind Team Finishes in Top 20

Complete results are available from the Odyssey of the Mind website

The Vineland High School Odyssey of the Mind Team A scored two top 20 finishes in the World Finals held last week at the Michigan State University. Also competing was the VHS Team B, which finished 32nd in “Tag ‘em.

The Division III Team A, coached by Sheryl Rasmussen, was 12th in the “Large and Small” problem and 16th in “Tag ‘em”.

Team members include Jenny Paterno, Elena Obelenus, Evan Flood, Katie Giocondo, Ali Furman, Karl Anderson and Mike Spatafore.

“It was not our best finish, but I tell the students that making it to the world finals is the prize because of the experience,” said Rasmussen.

“We did much better in the long-term problem and on style than in the spontaneous (portion of the competition),” said the coach.

In “The Large and Small of It”, teams must create and present an original performance that integrates team-created Small Pages and Large Versions that change appearance. The method used to make the Large Versions change appearance will simulate the methods used to change the Small Pages. One of these methods must be technical. The Large Versions will serve as stage sets for the performance. During the performance a character will also appear to dramatically change in size. This effect will be created using technical means.

In “Tag em”, the team's problem is to design, build, and run one, two, or three small vehicles that will make trips and get "tagged" within a Tagging Zone for score. The team will create tags and a system to remotely place them onto the vehicle. To receive maximum score for a trip, a vehicle will have one tag successfully placed on it and will continue traveling into a Home Area. The team will present a performance that incorporates the running and tagging of the vehicle.

The VHS Team B, coached by Mary Beth Banko, included Paul Cohen, Lauren Banko, Jessica Dzindzio, Elye Schenk, Christina Rivera, Brianna Pabon, and Nick Banko.

“Overall, it was a wonderful experience for the kids,” said Rasmussen. “It is a beautiful campus and because there were larger dorms, our students were able to meet and interact with many more students than in past years.”

Rasmussen said the teams were able to meet peers from Hong Kong, China, Mexico and even Poland.