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Goldsboro Elem. Odyssey of the Mind World Fund

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Odyssey of the Mind is an international creativity competition that helps students develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, math, language arts, engineering, science, writing, and the performing arts. This year, TWO teams from Goldsboro Elementary located in Sanford, have made it through regional and state competitions and are representing Florida in the World Finals. Only thirteen primary teams from Florida will be competing at the World Finals, so this is a tremendous accomplishment!

Kelly Kinard and Deb Hanshew coached a group of 7 students who earned first place in both regionals and states in a structural engineering related problem. The team built a structure from balsa wood (that had to weigh under 15 grams) which supported 395 pounds in the state competition! Before testing the structure’s strength the team first had to successfully “toss” their structure in a creative but risky manner in a carnival type game of their choice. 

Shannon Benninghove and Victoria McFarland coached a second team of 7 students who placed 3rd in regionals and then tied for 2nd place in states. This team worked on a mechanical engineering related problem with an original “creature” that hides in plain sight. Using simple mechanics, the creature moved and changed its appearance three times during the performance to avoid being detected as it got into – and out of – various situations, ultimately revealing its true self.

These students had to meet complicated and detailed requirements, write scripts, and  create their own props and costumes - all without parent or outside assistance as they could only rely on each other to come up with creative solutions. 

On the day of the competitions, they also complete what are referred to as spontaneous challenges. In spontaneous, they walk into a room and are provided a problem that they have never seen before and are given eight minutes to come up with creative solutions while paying close attention to ways to earn the most points. 

These two teams have worked incredibly hard for over six months to prepare for this competition. In  about 15 years of Goldsboro competing in Odyssey of the Mind, this is the first year a team has advanced to the World Finals which makes it even more impressive that two teams advanced. This also makes it much more difficult to finance their travel. 

This is Where You Can Help! 
The World Finals are held from May 21st to 25th at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. In order to attend, these students need to raise approximately $20,000. This money will be used to pay for registration fees, travel expenses, campus housing, and meals for the coaches and students. We are seeking donations to help cover these costs. Goldsboro Elementary has never had a team make it to worlds so this is an amazing opportunity for the kids.   

Besides the Go Fund Me account, the students and families are planning many other local fundraising opportunities. Please watch social media, the school website, and other announcements for upcoming events.
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Donations 

  • Sandra Reddecliff
    • $20 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Kelly Kinard
Organizer
Casselberry, FL
Shannon Lesher Benninghove
Beneficiary
Raised $240 from 8 donations

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