Whiz Kids: Tool Belt Divas

Name/Ages: Mimi Diekman, 13; Claire Garrahan, 13; Chloe Grossman, 13; Katherine Klass, 13;  Christy Hammill, 14; and Anna Vojvoda, 14; Kaelin Delaney, 13

Schools:  and (Kaelin Delaney).

Accomplishment: Known as the 'Tool Belt Divas,' the Charlotte Wood Middle School 8th grade Odyssey of the Mind team has won both the state and regional finals, and will now compete in the world finals competition on May 27-30 in College Park, Maryland.  

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students.

Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics.

Key to Awesomeness: The Tool Belt Divas say they succeed through teamwork, and maintaining a sense of fun.

The 8th grade all-girl team got their nickname because of their creative talent with all types of material—PVC pipe, chicken wire, cardboard, hammers, paint, hot glue guns and fabric.

In competition, they constructed a set that took the audience on a guided tour around the world.

With the support of their coaches, Mary Grace Houlihan and Kenny Zhang, the students worked together to problem-solve, and construct their competition elements.

At the world competition in May they will compete along with 18,000 other competitors, representing 25 countries.

Good luck Tool Belt Divas!

Know a great kid who made a big accomplishment? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid. We want to hear about these amazing kids and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination to lizs@patch.com and kirsten.e.branch@gmail.com.