Arlington School & Family Magazine April 2017 | Page 20

Hill Elementary
Hill’s Winning Odyssey
By Kenneth Perkins
The Hill Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team took
first place at the regional tournament for the second
year in a row, besting a number of other competitors
and meaning they are top notch when it comes to
this prestigious competition that allows a student’s
knowledge and ideas to come to life in a productive
environment.
Sounds impressive, right? Just don’t ask one of the
seven members to explain what, exactly, they did
to win.
Explanations often take a while. Or, when
explained, they often only see puzzled looks on their
classmates’ faces.
Odyssey of the Mind is a high-level critical-thinking and problem-solving competition that requires teams to solve at least
one of six different problems through skits or other performances. Needed traits include creativity, teamwork, art and
technology knowledge.
The Hill team, coached by parent volunteers Judy Gelfert and Krista Hanks, scored high points in both the long-term and
spontaneous components of the competition, paving the way for a second trip to the big Odyssey of the Mind State Finals
in Houston where they won second place. They will now advance to the World Finals, which is slated for May at Michigan
State University this year.
“Last year was our first time competing. We know what to expect now and know the best ways to score the points we need
to do well,” Gelfert said.
Hill is certainly highly experienced with all seven of its members, now fifth graders, back on the team. The students began
practicing in the fall once a week and added a Sunday afternoon as they inched closer to regionals. Each year the students
get a chance to pick from a list of subjects to present on. They take apart the subject and come up with a presentation as
creative as their minds allow. They must also construct stage props and costumes.
Gelfert said one stipulation of the competition is that the students can have no outside assistance. Even the coaches are
considered nothing more than guides who can help procure materials. Only team members may work to solve the chosen
team challenge.
“The students love it,” Gelfert said. “They are asked to think creatively in everything they do, so it really helps in all areas
of their life. It builds self-confidence and really develops the kinds of skills that will help them think out the box no matter
what they do.”
18
Arlington School & Family
Arlington School & Family
19