SHERBURNE - Congratulations to our Sherburne-Earlville Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team on an incredible finish at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which ran May 22-24 at Michigan State University.

SEMS students Kinsey Nelson, Dexter Johnson, Clayton Lawton and Khloey Morgan, Colton Ryan, Brett Lewis and Nasick Chrisbacher. Known as Team Johnson, finished 15th in 'The OM-Mazing Race' (Problem 1, Division II).

They went on to place first in the world for the Spontaneous Competition, which tests real-time creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

“To rise to the top among the best teams globally- teams that have already triumphed in countless competitions, is a phenomenal achievement,” said 26th-year S-E Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator Jonathan Sherry, who coached Team Johnson at Worlds with Jessica Benson.

He added, “This victory shows that with talent, determination, and the unwavering support of our community, teachers, family members, coaches, board of education, and administrators, a small rural school can not only compete with the best in the world but outshine them!”

Named after coach Heidi Johnson, Team Johnson advanced to the World Finals after earning the prestigious Ranatra Fusca Award at the Odyssey of the Mind State Championships on April 5 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Our MS team was one of two teams – out of more than 200 at states – to earn this distinction, which is the highest Odyssey of the Mind honor as it recognizes exceptional creativity and risk-taking in problem-solving.

Great job, Timberwolves! We can’t wait to see what’s next for our Odyssey of the Mind program!

- Information from SEMS