Back row (l-r): Donquarius Pagan, Davion Cureton, and Jamari Scott; middle row: Mackenzie Glover, Ahmariah Pagan, Jaelah Middleton, Jaeden Middleton, Dr. Sam Micklus (founder of Odyssey of the Mind), Bella Green, Takiyah Abernathy, Carhi Wilson, and Coach Shawnita Abernathy; front row: Kailee Middleton; not pictured: Leah Collin
W.J. Keenan High School Odyssey of the Mind teams competed at the World’s Final at Michigan State University May 24–28. W.J. Keenan enlisted the assistance of second grader, Kailee Middleton, from A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary, who played a vital role in her team’s success.
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an international program that challenges students to use creative, out-of-the-box thinking methods to solve problems using STEM, budgeting, teamwork, and performing arts. This year there were 760 teams from nine different countries at the World’s Final.
One of W.J. Keenan teams has a special bond. Takiyah Abernathy, Jaeden Middleton, Jamari Scott, Jaelah Middleton, and Carhi Wilson have been competing together in Odyssey of the Mind since 2015 when they started as second graders at Greenview Elementary with their volunteer parent coach, Shawnita Abernathy. They are now rising 10th and 11th graders.
Coach Forrestine Jamison started in the Odyssey of the Mind program with her children in elementary school and is a longtime volunteer coach for the W.J. Keenan High School OM.
The kids were able to get a taste of dorm life at college, managing meals times and the campus bus schedule. Most of all they got to make new connections while pin trading and participating in the float and banner parade. Two teams got to meet and spend time with the founder of Odyssey of the Mind, Dr. Sam Micklus. They received an autographed book from Dr. Micklus about ways to practice and prepare for OM competitions.
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