Long Beach Public Schools are proud to announce that six teams, three from elementary schools and three from the middle school, recently advanced to the Odyssey of the Mind New York State Finals in Syracuse, where they competed against more than 240 teams from across the state. These innovative and imaginative students demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and creativity in three different problem categories, with one team earning a State Championship and five teams qualifying for the World Finals to be held at Michigan State University later this month.
Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) is a world-renowned creative problem-solving competition that teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become confident problem-solvers. Students collaborate in teams to solve unique, open-ended challenges that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) with storytelling, design, and presentation.
Problem 2: “Mech-Animal” – Creativity in Motion
This engineering-focused problem required teams to design and operate a robotic animal that brings joy to people and performs entertaining tricks. The robot then mysteriously disappears and is found in a surprising location.
Elementary School Team: Created a glowing Robot Squid inspired by mermaids, complete with a team-built boat and live musical performance. The robot could walk, glow, and even present a ring.
Middle School Team:Built a popcorn-spewing robotic chameleon that delighted audiences and judges alike. Their performance earnedthird place statewide, securing a spot atWorld Finals!
Team Members:
Elementary - Anna Chapman, Alexia Fink, Garner Senken, Sadie Bergstein, Rowan McLaughlin, Maddie Eckert, James Emery, Laina Sisko
Middle School - Jackson Spitz, Callie Spitz, Arlo Fox, Stella Gonzalez, Maven Aull, Patrick Maguire, Katherine O'Brien
Coaches:Eric Fox and Rachel Spitz
Problem 3: “Through the Cooking Glass” – Classic Literature Meets Culinary Arts
In this problem, students created an original performance featuring a chef inspired by classic literary characters and stories. The task included building a cooking gadget and staging a fictional dinner party.
Elementary School Team:Turned Lewis Carroll’s world into “Fungi Phil vs. the GOAT” in a hilarious and imaginative cooking showdown. Their original performance earned them the title ofNew York State Champions!
Middle School Team:Transported audiences to the 100 Acre Wood with stunning sets and costumes. They placed11th statewideagainst stiff competition.
Team Members:
Elementary - Eva Gonzalez, Summer Schaffer, Max Sendik, Dylan Pinto, Maebry Kotula, Dylan Watts, Nila Pennett, Arwyn Donofrio
Middle School - Ledger Nafter, Leia Sacks, Freyja Rowland, Mavis Fox, Isla Lomitola, Henry Chambers, Zoey Pinto
Problem 5: “Stellar Hangout” – History and Astronomy Collide
Teams created a humorous civilization that explains constellations through myths and legends, complete with original characters, lighting effects, and a “stellar” astronomer.
Elementary School Team:Brought together a historic dream team of Elvis, George Washington, Princess Diana, Einstein, Cleopatra, Leif Erikson, and more in a comedic romp to save creativity on Earth.
Middle School Team:Wove a cosmic tale of space-worshiping civilizations with rich visuals and musical storytelling, placing4th in the state.
Team Members:
Elementary - Emilia Valencia, Kennedy Wynne, Grace Casale, Rauri Kennedy, Jack McNicholas, Farhal Kahn, Elle Cohen, Rafe Kaminsky
Middle School - Mia Kupchick, Robert Tozer, Alison Salem, Brendan Salem, Camila Coad, Vivienne Depalam, Kyvelli Pefani DeLarosa
Next Stop: World Finals
Long Beach is proudly sending five teams to represent New York State at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals that will take place at Michigan State University on May 21-24. They will compete with students from across the United States and over 20 countries. The teams are led by dedicated coaches Andie Techera and Douglas MacConnell, who said: “It’s an honor to coach such a passionate and brilliant group of students. Their teamwork, imagination, and commitment are inspiring. We’re excited to show the world what Long Beach can do!”
In addition to the student achievements, the Long Beach Elementary Coaches received the prestigious OMER’s Award, which celebrates outstanding spirit, creativity, and positive role modeling. This honor underscores the coaches’ exceptional dedication to student growth and excellence.
Over the past five years, Long Beach Public Schools have had more thanten teams place in the top ten globally, including earning bothWorld and U.S. Titlesat the elementary and middle school levels. This year’s accomplishments further solidify Long Beach’s position as a leader in creative problem-solving education.
Congratulations to all our students, coaches, and families!
Click here to view the Odyssey of the Mind Students Heading to World Finals slideshow.
Date Added: 5/9/2025