Skip to main content

WASD Odyssey of the Mind teams advance to state finals

Williamsport Area School District ›  |  Posted on

Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a competition that blends creativity, engineering and teamwork. It is 100% student-directed, with adult coaches acting as guides. OM teams from Williamsport Area School District (WASD) have been successful at the programs regional and state levels, having earned coveted spots at the World Final competitions in recent years.

Five of the seven (WASD) Odyssey of the Mind teams that competed in the Regional Tournament on March 1 in Berwick are headed to the State Finals. This year’s contending teams from WASD were represented by Cochran Primary School, Curtin Intermediate School, Williamsport Area Middle School (WAMS) and Williamsport Area High School (WAHS).

Those advancing to the state finals are:

  • WAHS: first place, Division III, “Cooking with Books.” Team members: Ava Carter, Cooper Gutberlet, Asher McClelland, Mason Robinson, Emma Schwartz and Daniel Turner
  • WAMS: first place, Division II, “AstronOMical Odyssey!” Team members: Hayden Day, Julia Day, Briella Evans, Haddie Harpster, Alexander Frank and Elianna Matter
  • WAHS: second place, Division III, “AstronOMical Odyssey!” Team members: Deegan Bragg, Cooper Gutberlet, Brayden Harpster, Alex Vail, Aidan Weaver and Ben Whitnack
  • Cochran Primary: second place, Division I, “Cooking with Books.” Team members: Freya Allen, Felix Fisher, Flynn Moore, Lucas Morrow, Oliver Repella, Anneliese Walter and Cameron Walter
  • WAMS, third place, Division II, “Cooking with Books.” Team members: Connor Gimmi, Addyson Harrison, Noah Kriger, Hayden Smith, Olivia Smith and Brayden Swanson

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the kids’ dedication, teamwork, creativity and commitment,” said WAHS teacher Spring Moore, who serves as the district’s OM coordinator.

While they competed, the following teams will not advance to the state finals:

  • Curtin Intermediate, fourth place, Division I, “Mech-Animal Sidekick.” Team members: Owen Berger, Harrison Lehman, Obi Nwaduke, Elijah Pershall, Scarlett Riggle, Ava Taitt and Ali Zeshan
  • Cochran Primary, first place in the primary group (which does not advance), “It’s a Wonderful World!” Team members: Levi Chapple, Cora Cohick, Emma Morrow, Oliver Repella and Percy Shaffer

The state tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at Pocono Mountain School District’s East Campus.