Sherburne-Earlville sent their Odyssey of the Mind team off in style last week, celebrating the team’s departure for the world finals with a parade through the school grounds. Sherburne-Earlville performs their long-term solution on Friday at the World Finals. Winning teams will be announced during the closing ceremonies on Saturday evening at Iowa State University. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE – Sherburne-Earlville sent their Odyssey of the Mind team off in style last week, celebrating the team’s departure for the world finals with a parade through the school grounds. Students lined the sidewalks as the marching band led the way for the team. With the help of Chenango County Undersheriff Dustin Smietana two Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to lead the team through the campus as the rest of the students cheered them on.

In April, the six members of Sherburne-Earlville’s high school team competed at the state championships in Syracuse and got the highest score for their long-term problem, earning them a spot at the World Finals. The team traveled to Iowa on Tuesday to compete against the best teams in the world.

“Going to World Finals is so amazing and is giving us the opportunity to show off our creativity against other schools from around the world. This competition is giving us the chance to show everyone how much hard work and dedication have gone into this problem,” said senior Bethany Garrison.

More than 800 teams from at least 10 different countries will be represented at this year’s competition. Odyssey of the Mind competitions are broken down by problem and division. Sherburne-Earlville’s team has completed Problem 3: The Epic Quest. Each team competes against others in their division. Forty-four other teams will compete against Sherburne for the top spot.

“Going to worlds means being able to compete with the best of the best and having fun as a team,” said freshman Brett Lewis.

Unlike many other extracurricular activities, Odyssey of the Mind is completely student driven. Coaches are not allowed to offer solutions or ideas to their teams. Instead, they are instructed to ask questions that will help the team come up with creative ideas.

“Going to Worlds isn't just some achievement anyone can accomplish. To me, it proves that years of work, dedication and putting my all forward finally paid off for the best dream that became a reality. And it couldn't have happened without the help, support and love of my team,” said senior Clark Vischi.

The team has been working on their solution since October. Since that time, the team works on the same problem. Fine tuning and improving their solution at every opportunity.

“Going to Worlds is to show how hard and how much we've worked and that we deserve to be here,” said sophomore Eskinado Carvell.

During the Odyssey of the Mind season, teams pick one problem to work on. They have to create a script, characters, costumes, sets and make sure that all of their work conforms to the parameters of the problem.

"Going to Worlds means getting the chance to show all the hard work, creativity, and teamwork our team has put in. It is an unforgettable experience that makes me feel proud, inspired, and excited to compete with other teams from around the world,” said junior Josie Pierce.

“Going to Worlds this year means the world to me. I’m glad my hard work and dedication during this OM season and to this team has finally paid off,” said sophomore Tucker Valentine. “I’m ecstatic that we’ve accomplished this.”

Sherburne-Earlville performs their long-term solution on Friday at the World Finals. Winning teams will be announced during the closing ceremonies on Saturday evening at Iowa State University.