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InspIrIng graduatIon ceremonyby Suban Nur Cooley
Graduations are a time to celebrate the end
of one chapter, and the beginning of another. Stu-dents at Odyssey from all over the country are miss-ing this special day in their hometowns, displaying the dedication they have to their team and compet-ing at World Finals.
But Odyssey is a place where academic achieve-ments will not go un-celebrated. Graduates brought their caps and gowns to be honored by other OotM participants, along with OMER and Dr. Sam himself at a special Odyssey graduation ceremony.
This year, graduate PJ Sook from South Lake, Texas, took to the podium. Sook graduates as a Summa Cum Laude, being in the top five of his class. His family has been part of Odyssey of the Mind for years, and he is the final Sook participant after being involved in the program since kindergarten.
Sook inspired OotM graduates by reminding them of the valuable lessons they learn by be-ing involved in Odyssey of the Mind. He men-tioned how they learn the value of diversity, friendship, communication and perseverance. Sook ended his speech by highlighting OotM members’ dedication and commitment.
“When we say we’re going to get something done, we get ‘er done. So graduates, with these values, we are more than prepared to be the next leaders of the world,” concluded Sook.
The guest speaker at WF graduation and the 2010 Odyssey of the Mind Spirit Award winner, Todd “Hoss” McNutt showed everyone why he is such an inspirational coach. He is one of the first to turn graduation into a mad scientist per-formance with his own interpretation of turning lemons into lemonade – complete with smoke rings! “Take your failures and learn from them,” McNutt advised graduates.
Part way through his speech, McNutt even took off his cap, pointed to his drooping tassel and said, “that was not invented by an [OotM member]!” He then proceeded to fix the tassel by securing it with black duct tape, highlighting exactly why he is the Spirit Award winner this year.
He completed his encouraging speech by dancing with OMER on stage in celebration of achieving his own dreams as well as helping generations of students achieve theirs.
OotM students were excited as ever to be celebrating their graduation at World Finals. “I’m just excited to begin a new chapter in my life,” says Grant Robison, a graduate from PeachTree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia. Robison has been participating in OotM for 11 years and couldn’t think of a bet-ter place to celebrate. He plans to return as a coach or judge continuing to help future gen-erations explore their creativity.
Saturday | May 29TH, 2010
omer’sworld news
Graduate from Central Michigan University Caitlin Henige (New Lothrope, MI), proudly holds her diploma between Omer and Dr. Sam.
‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine
World Finals attendants missing graduations back home were given a chance to walk at the Odyssey of the Mind Graduation Ceremony held in the Jack Breslin Student Center.
‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine
In tHIs IssueInspiring Graduation Ceremony.......1Awards Ceremony Ticket Info...........1Today’s Schedule............................1Important Phone Numbers..............1Judges Say It's All
About the Kids............................2Team Portraits.................................2After Party Details...........................2WF Awards Ceremony
Online Broadcast........................2Dumpster Area Reminder...............2OotM Flickr Account.......................2International Festival
A Must-See!................................3Souvenir Sales................................3Local Supply Stores.........................3Airport Transportation Info...............3Willard Wigan Exhibit......................4Dr. Sam Book Signing.....................4Coaches & Officials Winners...........4Weather Forcast..............................4Health Services...............................4What to do on Campus....................4Saturday Shuttle Schedule..............4Sunday Schedule............................4OMER's World News Staff..............4
saturday scHeduLeWorld Finals competition 8am – 4pm
creativity Festival Jenison Fieldhouse 9am – noonnasa e-theatre presentations Holmes Hall 9:30am & 11am
International Festival International Center noon – 4pm
awards ceremony Jack Breslin Student Center 7:30am – 9:30pm
pre-teen party Jenison Fieldhouse 9:30am – 12:30am
teen party MSU Union 9:30am – 12:30am
coaches recovery party Kellogg Center 9:30am – 12:30am
Important pHone numbers
emergency onLy Fire, Police, Ambulance 911 greater Lansing Visitor center (517) 487-0077msu campus Information (517) 355-1855MSU Physicians Officeolin Health center (517) 884-6546msu public safety / policedepartment / parking (517) 355-2221msu Visitor center on Trowbridge (517) 355-9651props / storage Information (517) 355-1700World Finals Information desk (517) 432-0798
aWards ceremonytIcket InFormatIon
Teams, coaches, and guests staying on campus will have reserved Awards Cer-
emony tickets in their registration packets. All others can get their tickets in advance. Pick up your reserved seating tickets at the Odys-sey of the Mind Information Booth at the In-ternational Center on Saturday, May 29th for Saturday night’s Awards Ceremony between 8am – 5pm. All seats are reserved. Any tick-ets still available after 6pm can be obtained at the Breslin Center Ticket Office. Concessions will be open during the event.
don't forget your team portraits!
after partydetails
Jenison Field HouseLocation of the Creativity Festival
breslin centerBetween Gate B & the Ticket Office
Saturday - 9:30am – 9:30pmThis is your last chance!Photos by Premier Portraits.
the odyssey of the mind after parties are an exceptional way for participants to end another fantastic year!
The pre-teen after party, hosted at the Jenison Fieldhouse on MSU Campus, allows kids to enjoy carnival games, clowns for face painting, a magician, food & beverage, inflatable obstacle courses and a special appearance from MSU’s very own mascot Sparty!
The teen after party, hosted at the MSU Union, provides an opportunity for teens to enjoy dancing, food & beverage and bowling & billiards and live music.
The Officials after party, hosted at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, offers live music, hors d’ oeuvres and desserts to their guests.
come join the festivities at the odyssey of the mind after parties and celebrate this year’s success!
The 2010 World Finals Awards Ceremony will broadcast live online at:7:30pm(est) saturday, may 29th
The broadcast will be available during the Award Ceremony at: www.odysseyofthemind.com/wf2010
Look for the live broadcast link on the sidebar.
RealPlayer is required to watch the broadcast online and is downloadable from OotM website.
Odyssey of the Mind 2010 World Finals | Michigan State University
odyssey of the mind photos | flickr.com account
World finals aWards ceremony toBroadcast live online
Share your photos from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2010 in East Lansing, Michigan, and they may be included in OMER's World News and other Odyssey publications. Please include the full name of any person in the photo, the date it was taken, and any other relevant details.
flickr.co
m
step 1:Join the group from your own flickr.com account*
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1460290@n22/
step 2:Post in the "pool" once you've joined the group
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1460290@n22/pool/
*NOTE: You will need to sign up for a flickr.com account in order to post your photos!
easy steps on hoW to post your photos
2
“We are in it for the kids,” was the reply, almost in unison, from three Odyssey
of the Mind judges when asked why they keep participating. “We can see what it has done for our children. None of them have any trouble getting up in front of a group and making a presentation or working with others,” says William Everett of New York. His kids are now grown, but he and his wife, Pat, continue to participate in OotM.
Greg and Denise Schweers, also from New York, say that they have seen what Odyssey of the Mind has done for kids at all learning levels. “It’s not just gifted and talented kids that are involved with Odyssey of the Mind, everyone can participate and bring out their creativity,” says Greg Schweers.
Jim Coates is a judge from Union, Kentucky, who is participating in his 11th World Finals, and like so many others he is a believer in the program. “It is work, but it’s fun and beneficial to the kids.” Coates says that he has seen kids overcome their shyness and children who have had no interest in science or math go on to be successful engineers.
Odyssey of the Mind has become a family af-fair for the Ball family. Allen has been a judge since 1998 when he graduated from high school and is an association director for Ten-nessee. His parents, Danny and Patricia Ball, also are judges. “I feel like Odyssey of the Mind was a turning point in my life,” says Al-len Ball. “I gained a lot of confidence by par-ticipating in Odyssey. It was my thing in high school. Now I feel it is my obligation to give
back to the organi-zation, so this ex-perience continues for others.”
Wei-Xin Chen, the association direc-tor for China has known Dr. Sam for more than 20 years and was there when he came to China to introduce Odys-sey. Chen led the first Chinese team to attend Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in 1988. “I believe Odyssey is very useful for young students. It
helps with their cultural development,” says Chen. He is proud to introduce Zhen Chuan Zhu, also from China, as a judge for Prob-lem 4 in Division 3. Zhu has been a coach for 10 years and sees solving the Odyssey problems as not only a benefit to the kids, but to him personally.
World Finals judges are made up from a di-verse group of educators, parents, alumni, and more. They come from different cultures and backgrounds. However, they all have one thing in common ‒ they love helping creative kids and seeing them achieve their goals.
Judges say It’s aLL about tHe kIdsby Jane DePriest
From left: William Everett, Denise Schweers, and Greg Schweers all from New York are serving as judges this year. They first first got involved with Odyssey of the Mind with their children.
dumpster areareminder
creative competitions, Inc. would like to remind all teams to respect msu's policies regarding the dumpster areas.
please do not go near or around back dock or dumpster areas at any time. this helps msu maintain its commendable "be spartan green" efforts and also ensures everyone's safety. even omer is staying away from dumpsters this
week!
There will be designated areas marked at each problem site for your props and other
trash items.
cVs/pharmacy 240 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing(517) 336-8216
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center626 Michigan Ave., East Lansing(517) 332-5855
Hobby Lobby2775 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing(517) 337-9253
Home depot1749 Newman Rd., Okemos(517) 381-0650
Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts533 Mall Ct., Lansing(517) 664-1061
Lowe’s Home Improvement6821 S. Cedar St., Lansing(517) 699-2940
meijer grocery store1350 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing(517) 332-2444
Michael’s Arts & Crafts540 Frandor Ave., Lansing(517) 332-1778
sam’s club2925 Towne Centre Blvd., Lansing(517) 482-9149
staples3003 East Michigan Ave., Lansing(517) 332-3632
student book store421 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing(517) 351-4210
target4890 Marsh Rd., Okemos(517) 347-0700
Walmart supercenter3225 Towne Centre Blvd., Lansing(517) 487-9150
suppLy stores airport transportation
don't Forget your 2010 WorLd FInaLs souVenIrs!
Saturday | May 29TH, 2010
3
InternatIonaL FestIVaL a must-see!by Jane DePriest
No international event is complete without taking home souvenirs, and the Odyssey of
the Mind 2010 World Finals is no exception. On Saturday at the International Festival, participants from at least seven countries will offer souvenirs indigenous to their countries for sale.
“This has become one of the most popular events at World Finals,” says Sammy Micklus, program director for Odyssey. For the first time Israel and the United States will have booths at the festival. Other participants scheduled for the event include the province of British Columbia
from Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Russia.
Stop by the Hong Kong booth and they will help you learn how to say your name in Chinese. Or look for red, white and blue-themed items at the U.S. booth. The countries get to keep profits from the sales to help with their Odyssey programs. Most of the items are inexpensive and even if you don’t buy an item, it is an opportunity to meet kids from other countries. “It’s a fun, festive at-mosphere,” says Micklus.
to detroIt metro aIrportboth terminals
Departure Times:2am ‒ 1pm
(leaving as frequently as needed,first bus departs at 2am sharp)
Departure Locations:
akers (green)Odyssey of the Mind bus stop
in front of the Dorm
HOLMES & MCDONEL (Green)Parking lot in front
of west Holmes Hall
Wonders, case,WILSON & HOLDEN (Orange)
Odyssey of the Mind stop infront of Holden Hall
gILcHrIst, Landon,MAYO & YAKELEY (BLUE)
Odyssey of the Mind stopin front of Gilchrist Hall
Check in at the dorm site's departure zone when ready to depart.
It is recommended departing at least 3 hours before your flight time.
Please direct all questions to the Dean Trailways staff available from 8am – 9pm on the green bus at the shuttle hub (lot
79) next to the football stadium.
to LansIng aIrport
Departure Times:2am ‒ 1pm
(leaving as frequently as needed,first bus departs at 2am sharp)
Departure Locations:
akers (green)Odyssey of the Mind bus stop
in front of the Dorm
HOLMES & MCDONEL (Green)Parking lot in front
of west Holmes Hall
Wonders, case,WILSON & HOLDEN (Orange)
Odyssey of the Mind stop infront of Holden Hall
gILcHrIst, Landon,MAYO & YAKELEY (BLUE)
Odyssey of the Mind stopin front of Gilchrist Hall
Check in at the dorm site's departure zone when ready to depart.
It is recommended departing at least 2 hours before your flight time.
Pin Towels, a Hoodie, Hats, Pins & Slider Pins (pins in the shape of Michigan) andLong Term Problem Wristbands, plus much more! (Sales are closed at Holden Hall.)
Jenison Fieldhouse(during the Creativity Festival)
saturday, may 29th9am – noon
Where to go for ideas on greater lansing activities
Greater Lansing Convention andVisitors Bureau:
www.lansing.org or call 1-888-2-Lansing
Michigan Travel Information:
www.michigan.org
Information Booths on Campusfor Saturday, May 29th:
International center8am – 5pm
kellogg center8am – 6pm
Jenison Field House9am – 1pm
HeaLtH serVIces
e.W. sparrow HospitalMedical care is available through the emergency department of Sparrow Hospital located at 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.phone: (517) 364-1000
sparrow urgent care centerOkemos Center2248 Mt. Hope, Suite 106 (at Okemos Rd.)phone: (517) 381-4001Hours: Everyday, 10am ‒ 10pm
Odyssey of the Mind 2010 World Finals | Michigan State University
4
saturday sHuttLe scHeduLe
There will be five bus routes during World Finals. All routes will intersect at lot 79 on the south side of Spartan Stadium. All routes are expected to run every 15 – 20 minutes.
yellow route Connects Kellogg Center and
East Lansing Marriott to the Hub.
6am – midnight
blue route Connects Williams, Yakeley/
Gilchrist, Landon, Mayo, Campbell Halls and the IM Sports Circle to the Hub.
8am – 8pm
orange route Connects Wonders, Case,
Wilson and Holden Halls to the Breslin Center and the Hub.
8am – 8pm
green route Connects Akers, Holmes,
McDonel and Shaw Halls to the Hub.
8am – 8pm
red route Connects the Parking/
Commuter Lots to the Hub. 7am – 11pm
special event route Connects the Party locations to
all residential halls. – runs until midnight
sunday scHeduLeHousing check-out 6am – noon
omer's WorLd neWs staFFodyssey of the mind editor Jennifer Vealeassignment editor Brandie Putnam
reporters Suban Nur Cooley Jane DePriest Brendan Dwyer Jennifer Miller
designer Jennifer Miller
Printing & Distribution NEWSWEB Innovative Media Solutions Greenville, Michigan
WeatHer Forecast
saturday | High of 85Partly Cloudy
sunday | High of 88Sunny
With the temperature in the eighties for the weekend it is highly advised that everyone stay hydrated with plenty of fluids to avoid heat exhaustion.
Last cHance ‒ WILLard WIgan exHIbIt!
dr. sam book sIgnIng
There's still time to visit a special WF exhibitof the micro-sculptor! Willard Wigan will besigning special post cards that showcasehis OMER sculpture. Be sure to stop by!
saturday may 29thInternational center Library
Next to the Souvenir Sales 9am – 5pm
Dr. Sam will be holding a book signing inconjunction with the Willard Wigan exhibit.
saturday may 29thInternational center Library
Next to the Souvenir Sales 10:30am – noon
St. John Neumann from Pennsylvania received first place in the Coaches & Officials Competition.
‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine
COACHES & OFFICIALScompetItIon
WInnersFirst Place:
St. John NeumannPennsylvania
Second Place:Memorial Boulevard School
Connecticut
Third Place:Upper St. Clair High School
Pennsylvania
Style Award:Sanford Middle School
Florida
