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Cape Odyssey of the Mind teams head to world competition

Shields, Beacon, Mariner teams qualify; Shields team nets perfect score
April 18, 2019

Of 11 Cape district teams that competed in the state Odyssey of the Mind competition March 30, eight have advanced to the world competition.

Five Shields Elementary teams earned spots at worlds, and one team received a perfect score of 350. Two Beacon Middle teams and the Mariner Middle team also qualified for the world competition.

Cape Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator Cheryl Baldwin said the perfect score was a first for the district. Coached by Cathy Ramsey, Jessica Bain and Mike Stazzone, the team comprised Liam Ramsey, Riley Stazzone, T.R. Bain, Will DiPaolo, Abbie Westmore and Alyssa Berg.

“They were just phenomenal,” she said. “They had a very creative skit, their style was all pulled together, and they just looked great. I can’t say enough about them.”

Odyssey of the Mind is a collaborative problem-solving competition that focuses on STEM, the arts and history. Students solve spontaneous problems, through creative responses or hands-on, quick projects, and long-term problems that include performing skits or creating weight-bearing structures.

The Odyssey of the Mind world competition takes place May 22-25 at Michigan State University, where 800 teams from all 50 states and at least 20 countries will vie for top honors. Each Cape team will compete against 40 to 60 other teams per division.

Baldwin said the world competition is a great opportunity for students.

“It gives them confidence, and they can meet and learn from other kids from all over the world,” she said.

Fundraisers are underway to support the teams. Donations made payable to Cape Henlopen High School can be mailed to 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, with Odyssey of the Mind in the memo line. Email Baldwin at Cheryl.Baldwin@cape.k12.de.us.

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