Full of gratitude for making it to Iowa

AMES, Iowa — Excited at the prospect of competing against global contenders, the Monroe-Woodbury Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team arrived at the Iowa State University on Tuesday afternoon, grateful to the Monroe-Woodbury community for its financial support which made the team’s participation in the international competition possible.
The best of the best have made the trek to Iowa, now the center of the Odyssey of the Mind universe. Teams have traveled from all over the world to be a part of this test of creative problem solving.
The community's support“The generosity from the community was amazing,” said Coach Joanne McInerney. “They gave us so much support.”
Teams that place second are technically invited to participate in Odyssey of the Mind world finals but Monroe-Woodbury requires fund raising and parent support to do so. That’s because the district’s longtime policy is to pay for first place teams to attend world competition, the only international competition the district participates in annually.
This year, however, is the first time in the district’s history that only a second-place team has qualified for world finals.
Knowing it needed to raise about $10,000 in a very short period of time, the team used its OM creative problem solving skills to mount a fund-raising drive to get those funds.
“I love Monroe-Woodbury, it’s the best,” said James Dawson about the community’s support. “We worked so hard to get here.”
Added Isabelle Varghese: “All the donations made a big impact in getting us here.”
“I’m really grateful about how supportive our community is, and how they really do believe in us,” said Shreya Girish. “We’ll make them proud.”
'A Stellar Hangout'This weekend, the team will present its solution to the creative problem called “A Stellar Hangout.”
The premise starts with an “intergalactic hangout” featuring all sorts of creatures from different worlds who stop there to eat, refuel and relax. There’s a humorous performance centered on this science fiction place featuring original creatures, foods, and a search for space treasure. It includes a worker character, entertainment and a futuristic map at the hangout.
“Being in Iowa is really important, because it has showed hard work can pay off,” said Jamie Calub. “It’s (the team’s participation) for the whole community, everyone is a part of it.”
The team believes an Odyssey of the Mind experience is important for student growth and development.
“I learned a lot of new skills that I haven’t learned before,” said Khushi Girish. “I’m really thankful that they (the community) believed in us and took a chance on us.”
“We get to problem solve which is important,” said Anushree Buragohain. “I want to thank people for supporting us.”
'Thank you'Colin Davidson has been involved with OM for six years, and this is his second opportunity to compete in world finals.
“It’s really nice to represent Monroe-Woodbury and New York,” he said. “Thank you for all that you’ve done to get us here and we hope that you can support Odyssey in the future.”
- Nancy Kriz