May News

News from NY Odyssey about Team New York at World Finals, Battle of the Problems, New York OMers winning scholarships from NYSOMA and COU, Friend of NYSOMA and Community Star awardees, as well as details of the Pin Design Challenge.

Good Luck Team New York!

In just over a week 53 teams will be arriving in Ames, IA to represent New York at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Some of these teams are veterans having been to World Finals before, some have been working for years to get there and some are totally new to the program and found themselves at World Finals.  

Whatever their Odyssey experience, we know they will make NY proud and we wish them all good luck.  Have fun teams, learn from this experience and come home ready for the Odyssey 2026-2027 season.

African Road ES, Allegany Limestone MS/HS, Attica Central School, Ballston Spa MS, Bethlehem Central HS, Catskill HS, Circleville MS, Dale Jr HS, Fairport Odyssey (3 teams), First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, Geneseo MS/HS, Goshen MS (2 teams), Grace Colaborative (2 teams), Hagan ES, iPad Rehab Microsoldering, Irondequoit HS (2 teams), Iroquois MS, Long Beach ES (2 teams), Long Beach MS (2 teams), Maine Memorial ES, Maine-Endwell MS, Mendon Center ES, Middletown HS, Monhagen MS, Montgomery ES, Mount Morris MS/Sr HS, Orville A Todd MS, Park Ave ES, Park Road ES, Pittsford MS (2 teams), Round Hill ES, S S Seward Institute, Salamanca HS, Sandfordville ES, Sherburne Earlville HS, St. John the Evangelist School, Tesgao & Skin PTA, Thornell Rd ES, Vestal HS, Vestal MS, Warwick Valley MS, Wellsville MS, Wood Rd ES, York MS/HS

Don’t forget our Division 4 team, Diver Library. 

Thank you to everybody who have supported these teams, helping them fundraise and simply being there to cheer them on. 

Battle of the Problems

Congratulations to the winners of our first ever "Battle of the Problems" challenge!

At the Officials reception, the Friday evening before State Finals, while officials caught up with old friends and made new ones, we challenged them to a simple table-top spontaneous challenge.

Teams of officials were grouped by their long-term problem. The task they were set was to build the tallest tower that would hold a ping-pong ball using the items in a bag

The first ever "Battle of the Problems" champions were crowned - Problem 3. 

Now, will they keep up this winning streak next year?  Can’t wait to see.

Pin Design Request

Every year NYSOMA solicits design ideas for next year's pins. Even if you aren't a gifted artist, any type of suggestion is welcomed.

NYSOMA Scholarship winners

Every year NYSOMA awards a number of academic scholarships ($1,000) to New York OMers, who are graduating High School or are in their freshman year of College.

Odyssey of the Mind participants employ aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the design of solutions to Odyssey’s unique problems.

This year’s challenge for applicants was to make two videos: a 3-5 minute video showing how they and their team have used aspects of STEAM to solve Odyssey problems in unique and creative performances or solution elements, and a 30-second version of the video to be shown at State Finals.

Their video submissions were creative, memorable and really did an effective job of showing how Odyssey addresses STEAM. They will be published on the NY Odyssey website after World Finals (Don't want to give away details of their solutions!!)

Sophia Amato, Region 5

Ruth Christensen, Region 14

Noah French, Region 15

Inaaya Sethi, Region 12

Carly Seligman, Region 5

OMers in the Class of 2027, keep your creative juices flowing – NYSOMA Scholarship applications will be available HERE early next year.

COU Awards

Alumni Ambassador - Ashton Talma - Freshman at Albany University studying Biology

Emerging Alumni Award - Nora Cardinal and Jailynn Harmon, Middletown HS, Region 5.

COU Visionary Scholarships

Inaaya Sethi, Region 12

Noah French, Region 15

Ruth Christensen, Region 14

Carly Seligman, Region 5

Tegan Morehead - Region 4

2026 Friend of NYSOMA

Kate Sholar

As the governing body of NY Odyssey, we have been busy updating our Policies and Procedures. To accomplish this task, we needed expert help to craft the precise wording required to draft and revise these documents.

As a practicing attorney, this OMer has always been available and willing to answer our questions, giving her expert guidance with best practice advice. Her recommendations have been supported with many hours of pro-bono research and legal drafting to make sure that NYSOMA is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.  

In addition to helping NYSOMA, this individual is a working mom, and the coordinator for nine Odyssey teams.

With much gratitude for her help and advice, NYSOMA is delighted to award the Friend of NYSOMA this year, to Kate Sholar from Region 11.

2026 Community Star Award

Jessica Harney

NYSOMA recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to support the program in their community.  Their efforts may not be far-reaching throughout the state but have an impact locally.This individual is a coach who introduced Odyssey to her school district 20 years ago and has remained deeply committed to the program.

When faced with the possible loss of Odyssey in her school district this year she refused to step away and instead used her problem-solving skills to ensure her students could continue participating.

Believing strongly in the program’s value—especially for students in rural communities—she also reached out to other schools to try to grow the program, all while continuing to coach.

We honor this year’s Community Star award to Jessica Harney for advocating for and valiantly leading the fight to keep Odyssey part of her own students’ lives and that of others.

(H) OMers' Odyssey - Vol 3

Here are the latest updates and reports from the Odyssey teams from New York that we are following throughout the season.

Warwick Valley - Div 2

From the Coach: This season has been filled with growth, creativity, and teamwork. I asked the team to share their thoughts and here’s what they said…

Jocelyn: I set several goals this year, but my main one was to design and build my own costume. I’m so happy with how it turned out!

Luci: As a first-time OMer, I learned how to safely use a cardboard cutter, definitely a necessary OM skill! I also learned that all ideas are good ones and you shouldn’t be afraid to share them. My goal was to speak up more, and I’ve gotten much better at it this season.

Brynn: I made a costume completely from scratch and I’m so proud of how it looks. Odyssey creates unforgettable memories and friendships. My goal is to get to Worlds for the first time. After seven years in Odyssey, I’m hopeful this is our year!

Eliza: I’ve learned how to explore and expand my imagination. I focused on specific tasks, then challenged myself to complete them in the most creative way possible while asking my teammates for help along the way.

Max: I learned to communicate and collaborate better with my teammates. I also tried something new, making both of my costumes! I usually focus on building and sets, so stepping outside my comfort zone was exciting.

Maddie: I learned how to make a hoop skirt for my costume. It was challenging, but really fun.

Emilia: I learned to listen to my teammates and value everyone’s ideas. My goal is to do well this season, but no matter what happens after Regionals, I’m proud of our team. We’re working hard, having fun, and that’s what truly matters.

Hoosic Valley – Div 1

Hoosic Valley's Div I team has been diving into fun hands-on spontaneous practice problems and discovering how teamwork really helps get the job done!  In their first experience with OOTM, they are all certain that this year is about learning and growing, and all have decided that next year the plan is to stick together and keep on thinking outside the box!

Saratoga Independent School – Primary

Our OM team has faced some adversity with the unexpected loss of two teammates, but they are positive and excited about the upcoming Regionals!

Final touches and last-minute changes can't keep this team down. They are demonstrating flexibility and resilience and we couldn't be prouder!

East Main Elementary School - Odyssey Angels

The team has been having so much fun using their creative OM skills to build cat toys for the shelter. The team used items like wooden dowels, string, beads, and feathers to create this fun and artistic toys for the shelter to use to keep cats entertained and active while they are there.

They have also been working on making these fun enrichment dog toys. The dog toys are created using sink mats and strips of fabric that they weave together and tie into the holes of the mat. This creates this fun fringe toy that you can put treats in. The dogs can sniff and nose around to get their treat. This helps create a stimulating activity for the shelter dogs to do to help keep their minds active while they wait for their forever homes.

Our team is also still collecting donations for the local animal shelter and they can’t wait to visit the shelter soon and spend time with the animals! 

Bethlehem Central High School - Div 3

These are a few of our favorite things….

We have had so many amazing experiences in OM over the years and wanted to share some of our favorites with you.

BUDDY TEAMS

World Finals is a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world. We had a great time getting to know our new friends from Hong Kong and Poland and finding out that we have so much in common!

Bethlehem and Hong Kong (2024)

Bethlehem and Poland (2025)

TALKING TO THE SQUIRRELS IN MICHIGAN

They didn’t always talk back. But they seemed to enjoy listening to us!

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PROPS

February News

With news about how to support a new NYSOMA scholarship in honor of Jackie Otte, deadlines for this and other scholarships, last chance to submit team specific clarifications, opportunities to get involved in running the Odyssey program in New York, and information about regional tournaments, as well as a look forward to the 2026 State Finals tournament. Finally, we continue our regular feature, "Coaches' Corner", with information and advice for new and established coaches.

Jackie Otte NYSOMA Scholarship

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jackie Otte.

Jackie was Association Director for New York for many years, a NYSOMA Board Member and Chair, the World Finals Shadow coordinator, State Problem Captain for Primary, among many other activities for Odyssey of the Mind.

She was recognized in 2013 by being awarded the prestigious Odyssey Spirit Award for over 30 years of volunteerism.

A warm and caring individual, she was a leader, mentor and inspiration to legions of OMers. She will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to her husband, New York's Wayne Otte, IPC for Problem 1, and to his family.

To honor her life and service to New York Odyssey, NYSOMA is establishing a yearly scholarship in her name. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Donate

Applications for this year’s NYSOMA scholarships are due March 1^st.

Details, and the application form, can be found here.

Odyssey Alumni Awards are Open

The links are now live: https://www.odysseyalumni.org/awards

EMERGING ALUMNI AWARD

This award recognizes current high school sophomores and juniors who are competing or who have competed and are involved in giving back to Odyssey of the Mind in extraordinary ways. Apply here.

ODYSSEY AMBASSADOR AWARD

This award recognizes alumni who have competed, are between the ages of 18-25, and who are involved in giving back to Odyssey of the Mind in extraordinary ways. Activities such as judging, organizing tournaments, coaching teams, or coordinating activities with regional or state associations would qualify an applicant. Apply here.

Both applications close on March 15, though sometimes there is a grace period for the Ambassador application given its ties to World Finals. 

Want to get more involved?

Open Positions within NYSOMA

Assistant State Director

– supports the State Director in the running of the program throughout NYS.

Board Members

– actively participate in all aspects of running the program in New York

Registrar

– coordinates membership and team registrations for NYSOMA and State Finals.

Committee Members

– working with other volunteers on sales, pins, policies, digital communications, sponsorship or helping organize and run the State Tournament.

If you are interested in getting more involved in the New York Odyssey program contact Chris Lucas, Chair of the Nominating Committee at clucas@nysoma.org

Regional Tournaments have started !!

In sub-zero temperatures teams from Region 15 started off the regional tournaments in New York on February 7^th at Mount Morris High School. Despite the weather the teams were fantastic, with the creativity on display as hot as could be!

Next up is Region 12 on Feb 21^st, with lots more tournaments from late February into March.

Check out the tournament dates and locations here, as well as the scores from Region 15.

Have fun and good luck to all teams.  We can’t wait to see your solutions to this year’s problems!

As usual first place teams plus ties will advance to State Finals on March 21^st at the NYS Fairgrounds and Solvay High School. In some problems and divisions, some teams will be awarded lottery slots to also advance but that’s a secret as to who will receive these coveted slots as they will only be announced at the regional awards ceremony.

If you are interested in volunteering at a regional tournament or at State Finals or know somebody who is, contact your Regional Director or Lynn Lucas LLucas@nysoma.org

State Finals

This year’s State Finals will be at the NYS Fairgrounds on Saturday March 21^st. As with last year, we will be allowing prop drop in the buildings on Friday from 3-7pm, hopefully reducing traffic congestion and stress for teams and coaches on tournament day.

Information on this year’s State Finals can be found in the FAQ page, and closer to the date, on the State Finals pages.

Coaches, Expect the Unexpected on Tournament Day!

Membership Sign

All teams must display a membership sign.

No membership number is required.

See Program Guide P17 and P47

Tournament paperwork. 

What does the Team need?

Check out the Program Guide P28 for all the paperwork the teams needs to hand in at staging Check-in. 

The number of copies of each form is important.  Judging teams consist of up to 10 officials.  Sharing one form amongst them becomes a problem...

so please remember the magic number of 4!

Packing

Pack irregularly shaped items and awkward costumes in garbage bags, garment bags, or gently wrapped in clingwrap, which also provides protection from wet or windy weather.

Safeguard fragile props by packing them in storage bins, labelled with your team's name for quickidentification in crowded loading and setting up areas.

P4 teams think about how the structure is transported

Including a “Prop First Aid” repair kit is a must: duct tape, hot glue and glue gun, extension cord, scissors,batteries, safety pins, markers, makeup, wipes, tissues, and band-aids.

Plus those random materials your team may need – feathers? Soda tabs? A spare jump rope? Baking soda?And don’t forget ibuprofen for the Coaches!

Performance Prep

Transporting props – Anyone may help the team move props into the building, to the staging check-in and to the Staging Area.  This includes helping move props after the judges have finished talking to the team once their performance has ended.

Only team members can apply makeup or fix hairstyles, help each other into costumes, assemble items and make last minute touches or repairs.  Individuals outside the team such as coaches or parents doing this risk the team receiving  Outside Assistance penalties.

Arrive early.  Check out the performance site.  Watch performances. Make sure the team has been fed and had a bathroom visit before their performance time (especially the little ones).

Does yrou team have the jitters? “Worried” nerves can transform into “excited” ones with a little positivity. Try a team cheer, song, chant, or inside joke to ease the jitters.

Coaches and supporters, please model good sportsmanship for your team members. Be kind and respectful to others especially the officials and volunteers. Poor sportsmanship by a coach, supporter or team could result in penalty points that can also be awarded retroactively.

Tournaments are competitions but remind your team that winning isn’t everything. Their Odyssey journey includes not only the tournament but the planning, construction and rehearsing of their solution, building friendships and how they have developed as a team throughout the year.