By David S. Lewis

VOORHEESVILLE – This year’s Odyssey of the Mind team qualified for the World Finals, where it will compete against countries such as Germany, Hong Kong, China, and Great Britain. 

Dr. C. Samuel Micklus of Rowan University began the competition in 1978.  It is a contest that is judged not on the basis of correct answers but rather the creativity of the solution.  Participants range from kindergarten students to college seniors.

Upon learning they had qualified for the competition, which will be held at the University of Maryland, the students and their coach, Jean Mackay, had to solve another problem creatively, and quickly; the cost of the trip was to be around $481 per person, not including transportation to and from the event.  The total cost of the trip would be around $6,000.

  When The Enterprise met up with the team at the Voorheesville Elementary School’s science fair on April 3, the team was conducting a bake sale to raise funds.

Jean Mackay, the teams coach and mother of one of the participants, was optimistic.

“It’s $6,000; it’s huge and if we don’t raise enough, we won’t be able to go.  The PTA hasn’t been able to offer anything, and the registration money is due by May 1.”  In spite of all this, she said she fully expected the funds to be raised, although there were less than three weeks in which to do so. 

Many of the donated baked goods had come from parents who didn’t even have children on the team, she said.  “Everyone has come out to support this,” said Mackay.  “It’s amazing, really.”

The bake sale raised over $900, making it the most successful they had ever had.  Mackay said the generosity of the residents surprised the students on the team.  Several cookies were purchased for $10 apiece; one brownie was paid for with a $200 check.  Mackay said the team was very grateful for the generosity of the Voorheesville community.

“Not only did our team really get to do an exceptional amount of work this year, but as a result of this part of it, they learned a great deal about community and generosity,” said Mackay.  “That will leave a lasting impression.”

Last week, the Voorheesville Community and School Foundation gave the team a $1,250 grant and offered a matching grant for the same amount.  With the proceeds from the bake sale and $250 donated from Jimco Painting, the team was able to meet the maximum matching grant.  The Voorheesville school board also made a grant of $2,500 from a special state fund for extra-curricular activities.

Mackay said with the grants they were able to raise more than what was needed, and so will have some left over for next year’s Odyssey of the Mind program.

The team and Mackay have been brainstorming ways to thank the community for the support it has shown them in their endeavor, and so plans to host an art show on May 20^.  All elementary students are invited to submit community-themed works of art.  Mackay said she hopes that it will foster the students’ appreciation for their community.