In all, 12 teams competed at the state contest hosted by TK Schools Saturday. They were joined by nearly 100 other teams from all across the state.
The high school team, coached by teacher Olivia Lewis, placed second and will advance to the World Finals at Iowa State University in May. Team members are Maxwell Kiste, Ally Rollings, Anna Boldt, Kayla Gunnink, Marla Kaniewski, and Payton Thompson.
Two TKHS seniors earned the Odyssey of the Mind scholarships. Elizabeth Baranek and Jenna Robinett both received the honor. Baranek has competed in OM for four years. Baranek wrote in her application:
“Odyssey changed my life…which made me into the person I am today…I am grateful for the skills and confidence I gained through OM and I want to ensure future generations will also be able to.”
Elizabeth plans to attend the University of Michigan to study neuroscience (pre-med).
Jenna Robinett also earned an OM scholarship. She has been in OM for seven years. She wrote a poem in her application:
“A creator of friends, new ideas and great inventions,
Odyssey of the Mind caught my attention.
With this in mind,
Many ways I will find,
To use these skills in the future
With a microscope in hand or a suture.”
Jenna plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study cell and molecular biology.
One of the middle school teams also earned a special OMER award. This award recognizes teams in OM who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, exceptional talent, and the spirit of creativity. The team faced adversity just prior to the State Finals when one of their main props was taken without permission and heavily damaged. It had to be completely rebuilt in one week prior to the State Finals. The team also tied for third place in their competition.
Overall, three TK teams earned third placings, just one place away from advancing to the World Finals. Three more TK teams earned fourth placings, one team placed fifth and one placed sixth. Other teams had a great showing but did not place in the top six in their event.
A big thank you to all of the students, parents and coaches who make this program possible for TK students. Also thank you to Jacki Schneider for being the TK OM coordinator and to the food service department for providing food for Saturday's event. Last, but by no means least, thank you to the incredible custodial staff who worked tirelessly Saturday as teams competed at the high school, middle school and Page Elementary.