HCSD NEWS RELEASE:
“The Hall County School District (HCSD) is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its Odyssey of the Mind teams at the recent state competition. These young people have demonstrated incredible creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, resulting in victories that have earned them a ticket to the World Finals scheduled to take place from May 21st to May 24th at Iowa State University. Approximately 6,500 students from across the globe will compete in the World Finals.
Friendship Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind team emerged as champions, clinching the coveted first place title at the state competition held over the weekend. Their performance in their problem area has secured them a well-deserved spot in the upcoming World Finals.
Meanwhile, Riverbend Elementary School has also made Hall County proud by clinching first place at the state competition, showcasing an exceptional performance that was just shy of perfection, missing it by a mere 0.37 points. This effort has earned Riverbend Elementary School a place among the elite competitors at the World Finals. Riverbend earned the bronze medal for a third-place finish at the 2023 World Finals.
Adding to the district’s accolades, South Hall Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind Team secured an impressive second place at the state competition. With their silver medal performance, they too have earned the privilege of representing the district at the upcoming World Finals alongside their peers from Friendship and Riverbend Elementary.
The structure of the Odyssey of the Mind competition requires teams to select one of five problems to solve. Teams compete in 3 divisions: elementary, middle, and high school. The 1st and 2nd place in each division for each problem at State Finals qualifies for World Finals.
“Through hard work, collaboration, and utilization of incredible higher order thinking skills, these students have earned the right to represent Hall County at the World Finals, “ said Assistant Superintendent for Technology, Dr. Aaron Turpin. “We wish them best of luck and we are proud of their efforts.””
(Pictured: Riverbend team.)