Holley's Middle School/High School Division II team competed in the Odyssey of the Mind (OM) state competition in Binghamton after placing first in the regional competition in Wilson, NY earlier this year. "We did not place at states, but the kids were definitely role models for their school and I am very proud of them," said their coach, Lisa Hendry. OM is a creative problem solving competition. With no adult help, students select a problem, create a solution that includes props, and then perform their solution for a panel of judges and students from other area schools. The Holley team tackled the Classic Ancient Egypt problem for which they had to create and present a performance with a scene that took place in ancient Egypt. The presentation had to include a pharaoh, king or queen, and ancient Egyptian works of art/artifacts created by the team, as well as an explanation about the construction of an ancient Egyptian architectural structure and a plot twist. "The judges at the state competition were very impressed with the team's upbeat attitudes and ability to work together, and even pulled me aside to tell me what a great job they had done," added Hendry. Holley also sent two other teams to the regional competition. The Middle School team of Hasan Ahmed, Timothy Barbato, Samantha Lotzow, Tom Thurley, Zachary Vickerson, Jeremiah Weber, and Jared Wilson, coached by Donna Barbato, took third place at regionals with the Jungle Bloak problem. The tam had to create and present a performance about a person who has the ability to talk with and understand jungle animals. This team was presented with the Omer Award for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior and exceptional talent. Submitted material April 9, 2006 |
