It’s that time of year again. World Finals is upon us and 39 teams representing New York are on their way to Ames, Iowa.
Check out the photos posted on Instagram @nysodyssey or on the WF Photo Gallery.
Teams can upload photos from World Finals using this button:
or tag their IG posts #nysodyssey.
Covering the 2024/25 Problem Synopses, Friend of NYSOMA and Community Star Awards, and special information about the tribute to Dr Sam at World Finals.
Whilst it is only 2 weeks to the start of the World Finals in Ames, Iowa, many teams are already dreaming of next year's competition. Here, to whet your appetite, are the synopses of the long-term problems for the 2024/25 season.
Graham’s involvement in Odyssey of the Mind is diverse and has spanned more than 21 years. Over the years, he has volunteered as a judge in Regions 4, 6, 7, and 21, as well as at the State Tournament. He currently is the Score Room Problem Captain in Region 4. Graham served as the NY State Webmaster from 2009 to 2021. During that time, he developed many tools to support teams, coaches, and judges. He was committed to improving the registration process and sales activities. As is often the case, Graham recruited his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Kelly to work a variety of roles at both regional and State tournaments. At State Finals you can find the two of them working at Team Registration on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and then selling Odyssey merchandise all day.
Graham first registered for the NY state tournament in 2003 and this is his 18th year. In recognition of exemplary service and enduring dedication, the NY Board extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to Graham for his many contributions that have enriched the Odyssey of the Mind experience for a generation of individuals, embodying the true spirit of the Friend of NYSOMA Award.
There are people within our Odyssey community who are passionate about the program and volunteer in many ways simply at a regional level. They are our ‘Odyssey Unsung Heroes’ who are often unrecognized.
NYSOMA has decided this year to acknowledge these individuals, nominated by you, through a Community Star Award.
Nominated by Kathy Sherlock, Regional Director for Region 5, NYSOMA is delighted for the inaugural Community Star Award to recognize Paulette Rudy from Region 5.
The following testimonial was written by a Problem 3 Div 3 team from Goshen High School.
“Miss Paulette, as she is affectionally known to many Region 5 OMers, has been involved in the program for over 25 years. Without fail we always see her running spontaneous in our regional tournament.
She also supports our Regional Director, Kathy Sherlock, from helping with scheduling and spontaneous training to being a sounding board for creative ways to make our tournament fun. Miss Paulette has given many OMers assistance in spontaneous, visiting teams and schools and running workshops. Whatever Odyssey needs in the Region, Miss Paulette is always there to lend a helping hand!”
Anyone that had the joy of meeting Dr. Sam knows he had a special place in his heart for innovation, creative problem solving, students everywhere, and telling a good story!
A tribute to Dr Sam will be held at World Finals on Thursday, May 23rd after graduation. For anyone that wants to submit a photo, video, or a memory that you have of Dr. Sam, please submit it here: https://omworldfinals.com/tribute/
Your tribute submission must be a downloadable file and be accessible via a shareable link. Please make sure anyone can access the link.
For those at home, the event will be live-streamed on the OM World Finals website.
Covering State Finals, Shout Outs, the Syracuse Crunch, Activities during State Finals, Pins & Souvenirs, Awards Ceremony Livestream, FAQs, Save the Date for 2025, World Finals and Regional Special Awards (OMER's and Ranatra Fusca Awards).
Less than a week to the start of the 2024 NY Odyssey State Finals Tournament and excitement is growing! It's our biggest tournament ever, with over 250 teams from across the state competing for the honor of representing New York at The World Finals in Ames, Iowa.
This year we have a giant LED screen displaying pictures and graphics throughout the day. It will be located, outside the Science and Industry Building during the day, and then inside the Center of Progress during the dance party and awards ceremony.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to acknowledge and send a good-luck message to support your team.
Either upload a screen ready image (jpeg or pdf), or send a photo/graphic, text message and a color scheme and our designer will customize a shout-out for you. Submit online at www.nyodyssey.org/shout-outs-2024.
This year we are embarking on an exciting partnership with the Syracuse Crunch, a minor league hockey team based in Syracuse. Do you want a fun activity to do on Friday night, before the Tournament? Well, the Crunch are making available a discounted block of tickets for NYSOMA members to attend the Crunch hockey game against the Toronto Marlies at the Upstate Medical University Arena in downtown Syracuse. The tickets are only $18, and all Odyssey attendees will be able to sit together.
The Crunch are also providing signed hockey equipment for NYSOMA to raffle and will have Crunch members attend the Tournament on Saturday to do some fun and educational activities with teams in the Science and Industry building. Check them out!
When you aren’t competing, there are a whole bunch of fun activities for teams to do in the Science and Industry building between 9am and 3:30pm and in the Center of Progress from 4:30pm until the start of Awards.
From a selfie station for teams (complete with props), prize opportunities and games, pin design contests, face-painting to our inaugural pin trading session there will be lots of fun and excitement. Check out these and much more on the Activities page on the NY Odyssey website.
Speaking of pins, don’t miss out on your chance to purchase this year’s NY State pins, as well as previous year's pins for your collection, or to trade either in the Center of Progress from 4:30pm onwards, or if you are lucky enough, at World Finals. Our souvenir stands in the Science and Industry building and in the Center of Progress and at Solvay HS Cafeteria (a limited selection) will also be selling T-shirts, sweatshirts and other Odyssey items.
Not able to attend State Finals this year? Join in the excitement of the Awards Ceremony via the livestream at www.nyodyssey.org/videos-state-finals. The awards are scheduled to start at 6:30pm, but may be delayed if the scores aren’t ready by that time…😊
Want to know something about State Finals? Check out our FAQ page for answers to questions teams, coaches or officials have previously asked.
Don’t see the answer you need?
Send in a new question and we’ll have one of our experts answer it.
We have tentatively set the date for next year’s State Finals at the NYS Fairgrounds to be Saturday April 5th, 2025.
Stay tune for announcements when this is confirmed.
First and Second place teams at States plus ties and Ranatra Fusca award winners will be advancing to World Finals to represent team New York in Ames, Iowa May 21st to 24th.
NY Odyssey is starting an Instagram account @nysodyssey.
Post your photos and graphics, and tag us at #nysodyssey!
Several OMER's awards and Ranatra Fusca awards were given out at our Regional tournaments. Here are the fantastic recipients.
OMER’s awards
Johanna Perrin Middle School, Fairport - Problem 3, Division II,
Our Lady of Mercy, Rochester - Problem 3, Division III
Ranatra Fusca award
Knox Middle School, Team A - Problem 5, Division I
OMER’s award
Gwendolyn & Waylon from Warren Street Elem School – Primary
Ranatra Fusca award
Binghamton High School - Problem 5 Division 3
OMER’s Award
Alleghany-Limestone School Team B - Problem 3 Division 1
