Two teams of Coral Reef Elementary (CRE) students, who participated in the Tropical Region Odyssey of the Mind competition on Feb. 24, earned first place and will compete in the Florida Odyssey of the Mind state competition on Apr. 14.
Barbara Portugal of the Coral Reef Elementary PTA VP Programs is proud of the students’ accomplishments and explained what the annual competition is about.
“Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program for students in K-12 and college,” Portugal said. “It provides teams with the opportunity to learn creative problem solving, teamwork, brainstorming, self-reliance, and respect for individual strengths.”
Preparations began last year with registration, workshops and coach’s training, then the regional competition took place at Miami Springs High School on Feb. 24. The state finals will take place at the University of Central Florida in Orlando on Apr. 14 and the “World Finals” will be hosted by Iowa State University in Ames from May 23 to 26.
Kindergarten team leader and CRE kindergarten teacher Elena Regalado was pleased with what her students had done and is looking forward to the state level.
“Working with this amazing group of students has been a pleasure,” Regalado said. “I am very excited for the next step of the competition in Orlando, FL. I believe the judges will be very impressed with their creativity and unique ability at such a young age to think outside the box.”
Martha Basulto, a first grade teacher and Odyssey of the Mind coach for the first grade team, also was enthusiastic.
“The way to success is never easy, but the First Grade Odyssey of the Mind team managed to win first place and get honored at the regional competition,” Basulto said. “The team did an amazing job and made everyone extremely proud. The happiness and pride I feel right now is beyond words. Onward to state competition. The team is ready to face challenges because they are strong and wise.”
