Pomperaug H.S. Odyssey of the Mind Team Will Advance to the World Competition

On March 21, 2015, the Pomperaug High School Odyssey of the Mind team earned a divisional first place award at the 34th Annual State Competition. The team’s Odyssey of the Mind problem was “Silent Movie.” They will now advance to the World Competition at Michigan State University, May 20-23, 2015.

The team consists of PHS Seniors Sophie Kossakowski and Sarah Skinger, PHS Sophomores Julia Kossakowski and Laura Skinger, and Waterbury Arts Magnet School Senior Annie Sherman.

The PHS team competed in Division III, or Grades 9-12, against the Newtown High School team. Both first and second place teams advance to the World Competition, therefore both schools will attend the contest to compete against teams nationwide and internationally.

The Odyssey of the Mind program promotes creativity by challenging teams to solve problems with more than one solution. According to their website, the program believes that by working in teams, participants learn teamwork, the appreciation and understanding of others, and that a group is a more powerful thinking force than an individual. They develop a sense of self-respect and respect for others through preparatory activities such as brainstorming and roleplaying.

While the ultimate goal for most teams is to present their problem solutions in official competitions, this is not a requirement of participation. The purpose of the program is to provide students with an exciting and challenging learning experience.

To help fund the PHS team’s transportation to and housing costs in East Lansing, Michigan, they will be hosting three fundraisers.

May 9, 2015 10:00am-3:00pm Bake Sale, Kmart

The other Region 15 state competitors included two teams of students from Rochambeau Middle School and one team from Gainfield Elementary School.

CUTLINE: (Left to Right) Laura Skinger, Sarah Skinger, Sophie Kossakowski, Annie Sherman, Julia Kossakowski