MEDIA COVERAGE

Kitty Hawk, NC (April 20, 2022) – The incredible journey of Kitty Hawk Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) team continues as they have advanced to participate in the OM World Finals at Iowa State University from May 25-28.

The team, comprised of seven fifth grade students, placed in the top three at the OM Regional Competition on February 26 at First Flight Middle and High Schools, and then followed up that spectacular performance with third place honors at the State Competition at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on April 2 to advance to the upcoming World Finals in Ames, Iowa.

Representing Kitty Hawk Elementary School (KHES) and the entire northeastern North Carolina region are Wade Benton, Lily Casias, Holden Hudspeth, Lars Lang, Joe LoCicero, Kaitlyn Schwartzenberg, and Quinn Wisecarver. Coaches for the team are Elizabeth Hudspeth, Cindy Benton, Jennifer Casias, and Felisha Lang.

Odyssey of the Mind competitions teach students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. For the 2022 competition, teams created performances about a young person enjoying a regular life in our world until one day, they wake up to discover they somehow were transported into a circus world. In their solutions, teams integrate original characters, as well as stage and drama elements, including lighting effects, puppetry, and elaborate set changes. To learn more about this KHES OM team and its journey to the OM World Finals, visit https://khesodysseyofthemind.com.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” said Elizabeth Hudspeth, lead coach of the KHES squad. “Since October, the students have come together multiple times each week after school to prepare for this competition and have a true appreciation of what it has taken to reach the World Finals – teamwork, commitment, dedication, and a positive outlook. It’s an incredible honor and experience for them to represent their school, the coastal North Carolina region, and entire state at the highest level in Iowa.”

Help Get the Team to Iowa!

To help offset the significant transportation, lodging, and meals expenses, as well as competition entry fees, the group is asking the local community to consider supporting their efforts through several fundraising initiatives. For complete details, see below and visit https://khesodysseyofthemind.com/support.  

MONETARY DONATIONS:  

Online – MemberHub (via KHES PTA)  |  Venmo (@khesodysseyofthemind)  

Checks – Please make checks payable to ‘Dare County Arts Council’ and include ‘Odyssey of the Mind’ on the memo line. Mail checks to: Dare County Arts Council, P.O. Box 2300, Manteo, NC 27954  

FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

Scarborough Faire Shopping Village Fundraiser

Wednesday, May 4 (5pm-8pm) – 1177 Duck Road, Duck, NC 

This family-friendly benefit hosted in Scarborough Faire’s tree-lined courtyard will feature wine and light bites from Vine & Board, music, a silent auction and raffle, and more.

Pigman’s Bar-B-Que Fundraiser

Monday, May 16 (11am-9pm) – 1606 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 

Celebrate National BBQ Day at Pigman’s, with a portion of all sales that day benefitting the KHES OM team!

Stack ‘em High Pancake Dinner Fundraiser 

Thursday, May 19 (5:30pm-7:30pm) – 3801 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC

Purchase a $10 ticket for a delicious Pancake Dinner at the Kitty Hawk location. Cash or check only. Call 917-418-9151 for more details.

About Odyssey of the Mind:

Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Imagine being faced with a problem that requires an original solution. It can be frightening. Now imagine not being afraid to solve that problem – that is what OM members learn. This skill and self-confidence will carry over to all areas of their lives. OM brings the classroom to life as students apply what they learn and combine it with their interests and passions to solve our unique open-ended problems. OM also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more. This international program is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as individual learners, grow as team members, and to reach their full potential. Learn more at https://www.odysseyofthemind.com.