Haddonfield Memorial High School will host 90 teams from 30 towns for the Odyssey of the Mind New Jersey State Tournament on Saturday, April 11. About 1,800 people are expected.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state and world level. Thousands of teams from throughout the United States and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.
Students from grades kindergarten through 12 will participate in the competition by presenting their team-based solutions to long-term problems. The solutions are judged on mechanical design, technical performance, structure and the performing arts. There is also a “spontaneous” exercise that comprises one-third of the final score, in which team members must work together to spontaneously solve verbal or construction challenges. Members of the public are invited to attend to watch the presentations, and there is no charge for admission.
“We look forward to welcoming all Odyssey of the Mind competitors and their families to Haddonfield on April 11,” stated Haddonfield mayor Jeff Kasko. “Our inviting and walkable downtown, which is only a few blocks from the high school, awaits all those visiting for the day. I hope everyone enjoys their tournament experience and our town.”
Chuck Klaus, principal of Haddonfield Memorial High School, has been pleased to see the Odyssey of the Mind program grow within Haddonfield in the past few years.
“Haddonfield is proud to have three teams competing in the state tournament this year. I’m hopeful that hosting the tournament will help us to spread awareness to even more students and parents in the future,” Klaus said.
Two teams from Central Elementary School and one team from Haddonfield Memorial High School will compete in the tournament. Winners will advance to the World Finals in Michigan on May 20–23.
Haddonfield’s host committee is seeking sponsors to support these creative and critical thinking problem-solvers of the future. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to learn how you can promote your local business to the 1,800 participants and spectators, please contact Tracey Ricci at thredsconnect@gmail.com or (609) 820–1910. Visitors are welcome to attend to watch the competition.
