Teams Make World Finals in Lansing, Michigan

The bus arrived at Breslin Student Events Center at 8:15 PM. The students, overjoyed with excitement, ushered into the center to join in the opening ceremony festivities with over 800 other teams attending the competition. The first-time OMers were in utter disbelief at the amount of people gathered in the center as it seemed to be at the 15,000 seat capacity.  At this point, there was no turning back, and these 4 WJ Keenan High School Raider teams were up for the challenge. For the next three days these students represented the state of South Carolina by showcasing their creative problem-solving tactics. All four teams presented their long-term problem solution through theatrical performances written, designed and constructed by the students at the competition.  These students had worked with their coaches and team partners for months to get to this competition. When the bright lights shined our students did not disappoint. 

Team number one coached by Mrs. Forrestine Jamison performed Problem 1: Pirates and the Treasure, a long-term problem centered around a vehicle.  Team number two, also coached by Mrs. Jamison, tackled Problem 2: Because I Can, a long-term problem centered around technical.  Team number three coached by Mrs. Shawnita Abernathy put their spin on Problem 3: The Walls of Troy, a long-term problem centered around the classics. Team number four coached by Mrs. LaTonya Wilson chose Problem 5: The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!! This long-term problem centered around the performance piece.  All four teams put on amazing performances with a spin to each problem, full of theatrics, amazing props, and over-the-top costumes. Although all four teams were in the same division, they had different problems, and different scheduled competition long-term showtimes. Each team was able to support and cheer their fellow schoolmates on at every performance. WJ Keenan High School’s Odyssey of the Mind sponsor , Ms. Cathy Page, could not have been prouder of each and every team’s performance she observed. As they displayed their motivation, enthusiasm, and energy, she couldn’t help but beam a huge smile from the audience.  Of course, each team had some sort of hiccup from several props, costumes, and sets malfunctioning during their long-term problem performances, but our students showed endurance and tenacity and made it through their 6-8 minute performance time constraint. All four teams received great scores from their long term problems. 

Along with the long term problem, each team goes behind closed doors and is given a spontaneous problem. The coaches and students don’t know what the task given will be, therefore students can’t really prepare in advance for this. This task hones in on the ability for students to think on their feet. This is an important creative skill students should acquire. When each team is done with their spontaneous problem, they walk through the  doors to the outside where there is a tunnel of students, coaches, and parents from other teams who clap and cheer for every team that walks through. This is a great example of friendly competition. During the raider teams’ downtime on Friday afternoon, everyone traveled to Detroit, Michigan on the motorcoach to explore the Motown Museum. Afterwards, the group enjoyed dinner at a local soul food restaurant. This was an enlightening trip and a time for the students, coaches and chaperones to bond.

While at the competition, students were also able to participate in the notable pin trading event between required activities. This is when the students see all of the amazing pins created by teams from China, Poland, California, Pennsylvania, and a host of other countries and states. In exchange for these, they trade their South Carolina tie dye frogs pins.  The students enjoyed exploring STEM challenges at the International Festival as well.   The competition ended on Saturday evening with an awesome awards ceremony followed by block parties aimed at pre-teens,  teens  and coaches held in the field opposite the Breslin Center. The students listened to music, danced, jumped in bouncy houses, and ate from a smorgasbord of handheld foods and sweets. 

Although none of our WJ Keenan High School teams came home with the top 6 trophy positions, a great time and an incredible experience was had by all who attended, thanks to an anonymous donor who paid for the students’ and coaches’ on -campus housing and meals. A huge thanks also goes to Richland District One for their contribution towards transportation for the four teams. WJ Keenan High School and Richland District One should be proud of the placement for all teams.  Team # 1 placed 29th. Team #2 placed 25th. Team # 3 placed 32nd, and team # 4 placed 28th. 

About the Author. Amorita McClam is an Administrative Coordinator at USC School of Medicine. She has been helping mold children's lives since 1997 and has worked in the educational setting since 2012.  She is passionate about helping underserved and underrepresented students of color with unique gifts and talents shine their light for society.