A Steeby Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team took second place in the regional competition Saturday at the regionals in Martin and have earned the right to take part in the state competition March 19 at Middleville Thornapple Kellogg,

Five teams of elementary students represented Wayland Union Schools – one from Baker, two from Steeby and two from Pine Street. Of the five teams, three were eligible to compete or earn a ranking. The two primary teams performed, but are not ranked at their age/grade level.

The state qualifying Steeby fourth grade team, coached by Dawn Stein and Toni Ordway, was runner-up for its long term problem “Aesop Gone Viral.” The Pine Street teams both earned fourth place in Division 2.

Odyssey of the Mind is the world’s oldest international creative problem-solving competition among students kindergarten through college. The purpose is to promote creativity and problem-solving in a variety of areas from building mechanical devices and balsa wood structures to presenting dramatic and technical performances. The program develops team building skills, divergent thinking, presentation and organization skills. It provides a caring, supportive environment for team members to develop positive values, self-esteem and social competencies.

Coordinator for the Wayland Odyssey of the Mind program is Christine Shafer.  Teams are guided by a volunteer coach who must not be involved in any way with the problem solution but may help the team logistically by providing practice locations, materials and instruction in techniques, not solutions.

Teams compete in each problem against other teams in their division. Divisions are divided according to school grade. Teams meeting regional tournament criteria based on the number of teams competing in each division advance to the state finals. Top teams and teams receiving the coveted Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award at the state finals advance to the world finals.

PHOTO: Steeby’s fourth grade team (standing, from left) Nick Ward, Aiden Ordway, Olivia Stein, Zadok Shafer, Declan Smith, Owen Fulk, (front) Bailee Merren.