Binghamton Schools are once again set to make a mark on the Odyssey of the Mind state tournament.
Two teams from Binghamton High School, a team from Horace Mann Elementary and a team from Calvin Coolidge Elementary have qualified for the upcoming state finals after successful regional performances.
At the Region 12 tournament at Broome-Tioga BOCES on 2/21, Horace Mann & Calvin Coolidge placed second and third respectively in "Taller Tales of John Jivery” for Division I.
The BHS teams placed second and third respectively in the same problem, but Division III.
In this problem, teams create and present a humorous performance about an original tall tale. The tale has to include a team-created hero or heroine that performs an incredible feat, a unique explanation of how something began or came to be, and a surprise for the audience. Each event must be accompanied by a visual weather effect representing an emotion.
The students will compete at the NY State finals event at the New York State Fairgrounds on March 21.
“When they faced the unexpected, they didn’t fall apart — instead they stood taller,” said Annette Nestrick, coach of the Calvin Coolidge team and reading interventionist at the elementary school. “They carried each other, covered for each other, and proved that real teamwork shines brightest in hard moments. I couldn’t be prouder.”
"Odyssey of the Mind is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills," said Horace Mann coach and TK teacher Jamie Garrett. "This group of 5th grade students work so well together: they encourage one another, understand the strengths of each team member, and build off each other's ideas. As a coach, it has been amazing to watch their confidence grow over two years. I am excited to see what they can do at the state competition!"
Congratulations to the teams that will compete in their next odyssey on the shores of Onondaga Lake:
Binghamton High School Team I – Taller Tales of John Jivery, Division III
Etana Murray
Abigail Gonzalez-DeLeon
Jesi Cureton
Lydia Thompson
Samantha Francilus
Norah Thompson
Coach: Michelle Thompson
Binghamton High School Team II – Taller Tales of John Jivery, Division III
While qualified, the team will not be attending the state competition due to a scheduling conflict.
Mikayla Walsh
Felecia Davison
Briana Pierre Paul.
Coach: Ethan Aubrey
Horace Mann Elementary – Taller Tales of John Jivery, Division I
Lincoln Burns
Sigrid Chang
Steven Ferraro
Levi Garrett
Theo Lyons
Josephine Milliser
Everett Rabideau
Coach: Jamie Garrett
Calvin Coolidge Elementary – Taller Tales of John Jivery, Division I
Alex Davies
Finnegan Tauterouff
Avary Mars
Roma Marcello
Jaela Brantley
Justyce Velez
Coach: Annette Nestrick
The following teams also competed in the February 21st Regional Tournament at Broome-Tioga BOCES:
Division I
Calvin Coolidge, 4th Place - Off the Rails
Woodrow Wilson, 3rd Place - Lost in OMERland
Calvin Coolidge, 5th Place - Lost in OMERland
Thomas Jefferson, 6th Place - Lost in OMERland
Thomas Jefferson, 4th Place - The Epic Quest
Calvin Coolidge, 4th Place - The Epic Quest
Horace Mann, 2nd Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery
Calvin Coolidge, 3rd Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery
Thomas Jefferson, 4th Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery
Benjamin Franklin, 7th Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery
Division II
West Middle School, 4th Place - The Epic Quest
West Middle School, 3rd Place - Life’s a Ball!
Division III
Binghamton High School Team I, 2nd Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery
Binghamton High School Team II, 2nd Place - Taller Tales of John Jivery