A team of seven Bethlehem Central High School students earned a sixth-place finish in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, May 27-30, ending a successful season with a top ten finish among the best teams from around the globe.
The team traveled to Iowa State University to compete against teams from across the United States and numerous countries after capturing first place at the New York State Odyssey of the Mind Finals in March.
At the World Finals, the students were challenged to create and perform an original eight-minute skit while demonstrating the strength of a structure they designed and built from balsa wood. Consistent with Odyssey of the Mind’s emphasis on creativity and teamwork, all costumes, props and set pieces were designed and constructed by the team members.
The team’s structure weighed just 14.7 grams and successfully supported 735 pounds during the competition, helping secure a sixth-place finish in the world!
Placing sixth in the world reflects months of dedication from the students and their coach, Rebecca Beiter, whose commitment made their success possible. Beiter spent countless hours guiding the team throughout the season and personally drove to Iowa, towing a trailer with the team’s costumes, props, sets and competition supplies to ensure the students had everything they needed to compete.
In addition to competing, the BC team had the opportunity to connect with participants from the YLPMSAA Tang Siu Tong Secondary School in Hong Kong through the Odyssey of the Mind’s Buddy team program. Throughout the week, the students built friendships while playing cards, competing in volleyball matches and sharing stories about their schools, communities and lives.
Congratulations to the BCHS Odyssey of the Mind Team Members:
- Rayne Beiter
- Jeremy Cintron Ortiz
- Nex Cridlig
- Nicholas Folio
- Bridger Lewis
- Erica Piccolo
- Stephanie Piccolo
- Rebecca Beiter (coach)
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that challenges students to solve open-ended problems through creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
Elementary families interested in starting an Odyssey team next year are encouraged to contact Rebecca Beiter at rbeiter@bethlehemschools.org. Elementary teams are coached by parent volunteers.