AM Yealey Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind team won 1st place at the state level competition on Saturday at Western Kentucky University, earning their place in the World Finals at Iowa State University in May.
And they can go — if they can raise the money it takes to get there.
“I have been coaching our school’s OOTM teams for 10 years,” says Danielle Bramlage. “In those 10 years we have placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the regional level and 3rd place at the state level. The only way to advance to World Finals is to place 1st or 2nd at the state level competition.”
This year, they made it.
“Our team has always dreamed of attending World Finals,” says Bramlage. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both the students and the coaches.”
Over 800 teams from around the world will compete in the 37th Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held at the end of May at Iowa State University.
The competition emphasizes creativity and teamwork and has grown into the largest international creative problem-solving competition worldwide.
Bramlage says millions of kids have been working hard all year perfecting their solutions to OOTM problems and competing within their regions and states.
“Only a few will advance to World Finals — these teams represent the best of the best creative minds,” she says. “While the competition is fierce, there is also a feeling of camaraderie among competitors. Many students form life-long friendships that span the globe. At World Finals, teams have the chance to learn about other cultures through a common goal . . . to be as creative as they can!”
The only thing holding the team back now is the funds to make the trip. They’ve earned their way to the finals but now have to pay to go.
The OOTM program charges each team a $3,000 registration fee. That fee does not include room and board, food, or travel expenses, which Bramlage estimates they can manage with another $2000.
World Finals is held next month, so the team will need to raise as much money as possible before then in order to attend.
“Iowa State Univeristy is almost 10 hours away from Northern Kentucky,” Bramlage says. “These seven students will never forget this incredible experience. By donating to this fund you are investing in our future!”
If you are interested in helping out, donations can be sent to AM Yealey Elementary school’s Odyssey of the Mind Team, 10 Yealey Drive Florence, KY 41042
