Odyssey of the Mind Teams Execute Excellence

Earlier this month, the four Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) teams won first and second place at the regional tournament at Moon Area High School. 

All winning teams will move on to the OOTM state finals on April 14 at Pocono Mountain High School in Swiftwater, PA.

Two teams are of those who advanced. Ellen Mavrich's team took first place in the Shakespeare "To Be or Not To Be" classics problem. The team defeated Upper St. Clair, Moon and Mt. Lebanon. 

Team members are Catherine Mavrich, Angela Mavrich, Maria Getto, Emily Bittner and Madeleine Mortimer.

Julie Ogburn's team was awarded second place in the balsa wood structure building problem, "You Make the Call," with a structure that held 345 pounds. 

Team members are Grant Ogburn, Garrison Scoulos, Moritz Woelk, Carson Zakis, Lucas Dalessandro, Ben Zeisloft and Adam Chaplin.

Especially exciting were the two team performances who competed in the large vehicle problem, "Ooh-Motional Vehicle." The two teams dominated their division, shutting out the competition. 

The fifth grade team, coached by Melissa Englesberg, was awarded second place. 

Team members are Sophia Englesberg, Kailey Harvey, Joshua Zeisloft, Brandon Thomas and Tanish Rastogi.

The elementary fourth and fifth grade team, coached by Julie Ogburn, won first place for their awesome skit and acting! Team members are Gabriel Ogburn, Sarah Simko, Cianni McGhee, Mason Palmer, Oliver Hymson, Jonas Woelk and Jack Woodward.

The teams thank Melissa Stein, with Stein Wealth Advisors in for allowing them to participate.

The teams also said they send a big thanks to parents who provided their homes for the meetings, brought snacks, drove team members and served as judges.

For businesses interested in sponsoring, email ptodyssey@gmail.com. 

Follow Peters Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for our daily newsletter.