CV Odyssey of the Mind team places 6th at states

Six Chartiers Valley area middle school students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test during an out-of-school activity.

The activity, titled Odyssey of the Mind, is a creative problem-solving program where students present their solution at a competition to a long-term problem that takes months to complete and involves writing, design, construction and theatrical performance.

Chartiers Valley’s team placed sixth at the statewide competition, held April 6 at Pocono Mountain East High School.

“It’s a creative outlet where we get problems, and solve things,” said seventh grader Emlyn Charles. “I think it’s the most fun I’ve ever had this school year.”

Said teammate and fellow seventh grader Lyra Foti, “You get to be creative and you get to have fund with your friends.”

The team also included seventh grade student Aaradhya Vyas; eighth grader Asher Manzo, and sixth graders Steve George Esak Siga and Dean Vayanos. Emlyn’s father, Jon Charles, is the team’s advisor.

During one phase of the competition, the team was tasked to build a balsa wood structure that later would be examined and tested with weights.

Chartiers Valley’s team was able to build a structure that held roughly 250 pounds. Students are also judged on presenting the structure in a theatrical way.

“I got to work with people, and I learned how to be more creative and act,” Lyla said.

The group said they learned teamwork, cooperation and communication skills. Students also said they enjoyed the overnight trip to the Poconos.

“We learned that it’s OK to make mistakes, and learn from them,” Dean said.

The activity also created a friendship that, the students say, they otherwise wouldn’t have had without Odyssey of the Mind.

“We bonded more after this and merged brains,” Emlyn said. “It was kind of challenging to solve the problem.”