Whiz Kid: Odyssey Takes Teen to Maryland

After nine years of competing in Odyssey of the Mind, a problem solving competition that focuses on consideration of multiple ideas and perspectives, Samantha Hyde is applying her leadership skills as a motivator, according to her dad, Brett Hyde.  The Muskego High School freshman qualified for the World Competition at last weekend’s regional rounds in Madison.

“I coached her for six of her nine years,” said Hyde, a Muskego-Norway School District board member. “My number-one thing is to always have fun. Sam tends to get the job done. Her coaches commented that she was the one trying to motivate others, and she tries to get people involved to do things.”

Samantha, who said she appreciates the way the competitions bring out the best in others, explained what her group presented.

“Ours was an 8-minute skit called Full Circle, and I think we had some really good funny stuff,” she said. “(The judges) laughed a lot. Mostly I think we (were successful) because we worked well in advance.”

The team members portrayed a serious character with an inability to tell jokes effectively, while the others tried to coax him to share more jokes.  Observing the other teams was engaging, Samantha said.

“It’s kind of cool to see all the costumes and backdrops of the other people, and it’s also kind of cool to see how you compare,” she said. “Watching people in competition gives you new ideas too, and some of the competitors had been competing longer than we had, so they have more experience.”

In the nine years she’s been part of Odyssey of the Mind, Samantha has developed a genuine appreciation for what others have to say. Students spend about six months practicing four hours per week to solve various problems, working with other students of various ages. Creative solutions are encouraged, and all ideas are expressed and considered.

“I like trying to get other people to share their ideas, while a lot of times other people try to get their own ideas out there,” she said.

Samantha said Odyssey of the Mind also has increased her confidence with public speaking and sharing her own ideas.

The World competition is May 27-30 in College Park, Maryland. More information about the program is available at www.odysseyofthemind.com.