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Pine Bush Odyssey of the Mind teams take on the world

EJR finishes second in worlds; Crispell places eighth

Pine Bush Odyssey of the Mind teams from Edward J. Russell (EJR) Elementary School and Crispell Middle School competed on the world stage last week in East Lansing, Michigan with EJR bringing home silver medals after placing second in their division and Crispell placing eighth.

Group of seven elemetary kids wearing red shirts and silver medals along with three adults holding their large trophy
The EJR team celebrated after receiving their medals and trophy.

Coaches Naomi Bush and Doreen Sandor led their EJR team to second place in the field of 52 teams in the elementary school division for their problem, Structure Toss, where the team built a structure that held 665 pounds! This earned them a trip to the podium for their silver medals, a big trophy and a picture with Odyssey of the Mind founder Dr. Sam Micklus.

About 15 students and several adults all wearing red shirts holding a banner with their Odyssey of the Mind problem name, Structure Toss.
The EJR and Crispell teams at the closing ceremonies.

The Crispell team competed against 64 teams in the middle school division of the same problem, Structure Toss. Coach Stacey Mark’s team placed eighth as their structure held a whopping 755 pounds.

The Crispell team members are: Rebecca Magnetico, Meryl Palinkas, Nina Camacho, Jenna Hopmayer, Taylor Vero, Jessie Sheeley and Maya Oakes.

The members of the EJ Russell team are: Leah Germano, Alanah Giannini, McKayla Hundley, Dominic Licardi, Alyssa Magsamen, Jake Thompson and Kara Wittenberg.

Michigan State University hosted the season-ending tournament in East Lansing from May 22-25. The Crispell and EJR teams got an early taste of college life by sleeping and eating all their meals in the dormitories.  Along with participating in both their long-term and spontaneous competitions, the teams enjoyed pin trading with other teams from the United States and many foreign countries such as Japan, China, Russia, Quatar, South Korea and Germany, to name a few.  Crispell had the honor of being a “Buddy Team” to a group of middle school girls from Poland, who stayed in the same dormitory with them. The two teams became nearly inseparable, and have formed a life-long bond through their shared Odyssey experience.

Group of 15 middle school girls, some with silly string on them, all smiling.
The Crispell team was buddied with the team from Poland and made great friendships.

“We are so proud of all these remarkably creative children, who have been working to solve their problem since November, and competing at the regional, state, and world levels since early March,” said Lorraine Stapleton, speaking on behalf of the Pine Bush Odyssey of the Mind program. “The teams and their coaches would like to say a special thank you to their parents, friends, and their Pine Bush family for all their support and participation in fundraisers throughout the season that made this trip possible. We will see you next season!”

Pine Bush Central School District
State Route 302, Pine Bush, NY 12566
Phone: (845) 744-2031
Fax: (845) 744-6189
Amy Brockner
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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