- R
What if you had worked so hard to win your state's championship and did not have the money to advance to your competition's World Finals? My students have worked tirelessly all year to be champions of New York State Odyssey of the Mind, and now they may not be able to move forward.
My Odyssey of the Mind team has worked tirelessly in order to succeed in this creative problem solving competition. They now have the honor of representing Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 of Bayside, NY at World Finals. It is their greatest wish to attend this event, which will truly be an affirmation of the time and commitment they have enthusiastically given to this rewarding activity. My students have stayed after school, reported to school on Saturdays, and even worked during vacations. These students, as well as their parents, have become part of my family, and part of each other’s families.
This talented team of seven has been together for three years, and so it was an exhilarating moment when it was announced that they were champions of NYS. When our school was called to the podium, the excitement that these students felt was palpable. I do not wish to contemplate the disappointment that these students will feel if they are unable to attend and have the experience that is rightfully theirs.
My Project
The cost of attending this event constitutes a challenge for our school and the attending families. Assuming that each child has one parent chaperone, there will be 15 individuals (including myself) who are currently responsible for their lodging, food, airfare, and activities fees. All donations will be used to subsidize these costs. As a New York City public school with limited resources, we currently do not have the ability to pay for admission to this event. This cost is a hardship for everyone. I, as their coach, am committed to making sure that their dreams come true and that they compete in World Finals.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative-problem solving competition. Its purpose is to promote critical thinking and teamwork among students of all ages. My students have been together for three years, and after years of falling short, they have finally made it to the promised land of World Finals. This will represent a culmination of all their hard work and send them the message that what they have done will not be in vain. Hard work needs to be celebrated, not discounted.
My Odyssey of the Mind team has worked tirelessly in order to succeed in this creative problem solving competition. They now have the honor of representing Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 of Bayside, NY at World Finals. It is their greatest wish to attend this event, which will truly be an affirmation of the time and commitment they have enthusiastically given to this rewarding activity. My students have stayed after school, reported to school on Saturdays, and even worked during vacations. These students, as well as their parents, have become part of my family, and part of each other’s families.
This talented team of seven has been together for three years, and so it was an exhilarating moment when it was announced that they were champions of NYS. When our school was called to the podium, the excitement that these students felt was palpable. I do not wish to contemplate the disappointment that these students will feel if they are unable to attend and have the experience that is rightfully theirs.
My Project
The cost of attending this event constitutes a challenge for our school and the attending families. Assuming that each child has one parent chaperone, there will be 15 individuals (including myself) who are currently responsible for their lodging, food, airfare, and activities fees. All donations will be used to subsidize these costs. As a New York City public school with limited resources, we currently do not have the ability to pay for admission to this event. This cost is a hardship for everyone. I, as their coach, am committed to making sure that their dreams come true and that they compete in World Finals.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative-problem solving competition. Its purpose is to promote critical thinking and teamwork among students of all ages. My students have been together for three years, and after years of falling short, they have finally made it to the promised land of World Finals. This will represent a culmination of all their hard work and send them the message that what they have done will not be in vain. Hard work needs to be celebrated, not discounted.