Look Out World!

After a first place finish at the state competition for Odyssey of the Mind, the Muskego High School (Division III) are eager to compete on the world stage for the program in Maryland on May 27.

The team was awarded for their performance in "Full Circle," which challenges the team to create and present a performance where something changes form or appearance at least three times, eventually returning to its original form.  The team needs to signal the audience when there is a change, and needs to include silly and serious characters, song and dance, and a surprise ending.

If it sounds challenging, it is, especially when you consider that teams in OTM have one shot to "go big or go home," as Katie Gehrke, team member and eight-year veteran, explained.

"You also have to win your division as well as your problem in order to advance to world," she said.

Coach Amy Gehrke explained that there are problems presented, usually around the start of the school year, for teams to select and begin planning.  Teams generally start practicing around December or January for the state competition, and are given $125 to purchase materials for their presentation skit.

"There's so many components to this - team-building, problem-solving, working with a budget and strategizing," Gehrke said.