Warwick Valley Odyssey puts its best feet forward at World Finals

Three Warwick Valley Odyssey of the Mind teams showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held at the end of May at Iowa State University!

Competing against students from across the globe, these talented students -- from third through sixth-grade -- represented their schools and community with Wildcat positivity and pride.

The Warwick Valley Middle School team, competing in Problem 1, Division 2, a vehicle-based problem titled Off the Rails! The team was challenged to design, build, and operate a train vehicle capable of picking up cargo along a course, while also adding a new car at each stop. They then had to unload the cargo, which, in turn, were to be assembled into a work of art. The middle school squad delivered a standout performance, earning a remarkable 4th-place finish. .

Park Avenue’s team took on Problem 3, Division 1, one of Odyssey's "Classics" problems, entitled The Epic Quest. The team had to present an original epic quest where starring a hero who has to overcome a series of obstacles, eventually returning home with a prized treasure. The performance had to include a depiction of an evolving society! The team earned a strong 12th-place finish among a highly competitive field.

Sanfordville’s team participated in one of Odyssey's "Technical" problems, Problem 2, Division 1, Lost in OMERland. The problem asked teams to design, build, and operate a "technical trip assistant" device. The twist: Their voice-activated device must humorously malfunction, giving wrong directions and silly translations. And... all of the team's props and backdrops had to fit inside two suitcases. The team's ability to think outside the box with their solutions earned them a tie for 19th place on the global stage.

"With their awesome mix of creativity, ingenuity and productivity, every one of our teams put forth incredible effort and amazing performances during this international competition," raved a proud Matthew Spicehandler, Park Avenue's library media specialist and district Odyssey co-coordinator. "We are so proud of all of them!"

Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that encourages students to use their imaginations and ingenuity to solve open-ended problems. The annual World Finals gather top teams from around the world, challenging participants to demonstrate their creative and critical thinking skills in a friendly, inspiring environment. The Warwick Valley teams’performances highlight their ingenuity and dedication, and should be applauded for their accomplishments at the 2026 World Finals.

Go, Wildcat OMers!

Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Gallery