Presbyterian School Odyssey teams win state honors

Several Odyssey of the Mind teams from the Presbyterian School won state recognition for their efforts in problem-solving.

The teams presented original solutions to complex problems at the Texas State Odyssey of the Mind tournament April 14. The students had worked since September solving both spontaneous and long-term problems.

The spontaneous problems required students to think on their feet and work as a team. The students were given verbal, hands-on, or verbal and hands-on problems with only a few minutes to come up with a solution in front of a panel of judges.

The teams also chose to complete one of five longterm problems. The teams are given the entire school year to develop a solution to their problem. The teams are then given just eight minutes to deliver their solutions to a panel of judges.

The seventh grade team placed first in its division and will advance to the World Competition in Iowa on May 26. The team included Katharine Juden, Julian Castro, Emma Shea, Jessica Simon, Abbey Rank, Angelica Carrizal and Lauren Childers.

The fourth grade team placed third in its division. The fourth-grade team members include Kameron Vlliafana, Zach Kroencke, Ellie Beaver, Adam Dunn, Sara Wheat, Thomas Minton and Amelia Williams.

The fifth-grade team received third place in its division. The fifth-grade team members include Pheobe Crew, Claire McNeill, Delaney Newsome, Olivia Mandola, Arabel McFarlance and Rachel Koch.

Another seventh-grade team received third place in its division. The seventh-grade team members include Katie McCulloch, Marion Watkins, Emily Gonsoulin, Christina Rockrise, Julia Calaway, Kelsey McCollum and Spencer Mclean.

For more information about the Presbyterian School visit www.pshouston.org or call 713-620-6365.