Students compete in Odyssey of the Mind

Thursday, May 8, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

However, they need help to take on the next "Odyssey." Air fare and lodging will cost about $6,000 when they represent Nevada in the world finals, June 4-7, at the University of Maryland.

"Odyssey of the Mind" is a project that gets young people to think creatively, according to 13-year-old Judy Kresyman, one of the participating students.

"It includes a long-term problem, which, for us, was building and operating a remote-controlled android," Kresyman said. "We worked very hard on our project and consider it an honor to be asked to represent Nevada in the world competition. We're just hoping that people in the community will come forward and help us raise the money we need to get there."

The Hyde Park Middle School Academy of Math and Science team will be holding a fund-raiser car was from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. May 24 at the Saturn dealer at 5325 W. Sahara Ave.

"Odyssey" students work in teams with an adult coach. Jim Patti, a parent/coach in the magnet school program for the past two years, worked closely with the Hyde Park Middle School team on its project.

"I see an energy developing in students when they get involved with 'Odyssey of the Mind,'" Patti said. "Participating in 'OM' helps students look at everyday classroom assignments in new and more creative ways."

Patti pointed out that the program builds long-term, problem-solving skills and hones spontaneous brain-storming ability.

"While the long-term problems range from technical to historical or contemporary, solutions run from the creative, logical and scientific to the wacky, outrageous and amazing," he said.

The annual "Odyssey of the Mind" local and regional competitions have narrowed teams from 49 states and more than 30 countries down to just over 5,000 participants.

The OM Association Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Glassboro, N.J.

To make a tax-deductible donation or receive more information about helping with the program, call Mona Carillo, 799-4250, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or Jim Patti (evenings) at 363-9181.