Students performing at Odyssey of the Mind

On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, One hundred twenty-six students from Region 8 & 9 showcased their creativity during the Odyssey of the Mind Regional competition.

Case Middle School building was full of creative kids who “showed off” their intelligence and their creativity in this competition. For those teams who placed first place or, for a few teams who held advancing positions in second place – they will be headed for New York State Competition in Syracuse at the Syracuse Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 5th.

Students have spent months of their free time solving problems as well as developing teamwork skills, independent study, friendships, confidence, and most importantly – thinking outside-of-the-box! They learned new things and utilized their strengths to solve the problem. Teams also learned how to budget money since there is a cost limit to each problem.

Teams had to compete within their chosen problem and division, but competed as well in a “spontaneous problem,” where they solve a new problem on the spot. They must be creative and quick thinking.

Results will be posted soon on the NYSOMA website and you can view the total scores there.  The link is https://www.nyodyssey.org/regional-results.

Please plan on supporting your teams attending New York State Competition on April 5th.  Spectators are welcome and more information can be found by going to https://www.nyodyssey.org/state-finals.

Problem #1 – Division I – The OM-Mazing Race -

   3rd Place – Copenhagen Central School

   2nd Place – Sackets Harbor Central School - Advancing

   1st Place – Mannsville Elementary School - Advancing

Problem #2 – Division 1 – Mech-Animal Sidekick

   2nd Place – Lura Sharp Elementary School - Advancing

   1st Place – Beaver River Central School - Advancing

Problem #3 - Division I – Cooking With Books

   1st Place – Beaver River Central - Advancing

Problem #3 – Division II – Cooking With Books

   2nd Place – Sackets Harbor

   1st Place – South Lewis Central - Advancing

Problem 3 – Division III – Cooking With Books

   2nd Place – Park United Methodist Church - Advancing

   1st Place -  Beaver River Central School – Advancing

Problem 4 – Division I – Save Me Structure

   1st Place – Lura Sharp Elementary – Advancing

Problem 5 – Astronomical Odyssey – Division 1

   3rd Place – Lowville –

   2nd Place – Mannsville Elementary – Advancing

   1st Place – Sackets Harbor – Advancing

Problem 5 – Astronomical Odyssey – Division II

   1st Place – Beaver River

Problem 5 – Astronomical Odyssey – Division III

   1st Place – South Lewis Central

The New York State Competition will be held at the Syracuse Fairgrounds on April 5, 2025. 

One OMER Award was given to the South Lewis Problem 5, Division III Team.

One OMER Award was given to Beaver River Central School – Division III Team

One OMER Award was given to Lowville Academy and Central School – Division 1 Team

One Renatra Fusca Creativity Award was given to Abby Sweredoski from South Lewis  

Congratulations to all the teams!

About Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES
Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) offers cost-effective shared services to 18 component school districts. These services include career and technical education course offerings as well as special education, instructional and administrative support services. BOCES also serves the continuing education needs of local business, labor and industries in the community and offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities for adult learners. Learn more at www.boces.com.