Putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test, 50 students on eight teams from Gorham joined other students from southern Maine at Regional Tournaments for Odyssey of the Mind (OM) in March.

Students worked for months preparing a skit to demonstrate their solution and practicing spontaneous problems for competition. Participants build self-confidence and skills for life through problem-solving, creative thinking, and team work. The program’s goal is to engage students in their learning.

Attending the Primary Tournament on March 25 in Auburn, a team from Gorham created a heart-warming skit about friendship. This K-2 team included Rory Pigeon, Nara Holland, Tucker Curtis, Sawyer Wheaton, Aidan Beardsley, and coach Joshua Beardsley.

A second new team competed on March 18 at Regionals for Div. I, grades 3-5. This team solved their problem with a delightful birthday- themed skit for their traveling vehicles. Team members included Stella Wu, Jack Cyr, Lily Beardsley, Derek Luo, Henry Holland, Anna Johnson, Patrick Downey, and coaches Kelly Cyr and Amy Wu.

The State Tournament was held on April 1 in Biddeford. Six Gorham teams qualified to compete with impressive results, bringing back six trophies.

The Classic Performance team from Village Elementary included Lucy Dubail, Winnie Dubail, Ella Goff, Natalie Miner, Evelyn Rush, Libby Springer, and coach Jennifer Dubail. This team researched great works of art to solve their problem, earning first place.

Village School’s Technical Team built a robot to successfully perform movements, also earning a first place trophy. Members were Jackson Brassard, Logan Brassard, Diego Perez McLeod, Sam Merrow, William Abbott, Gabriel Badeau, and coach Amy Brassard.

Gorham Middle School’s teams also earned trophies at States in Div. II. The GMS Tech Team presented an Egyptian-themed ‘mummy’ robot with pyramid and was awarded first place. Team members included Patrick Cyr, Peter Wu, Trevin Macomber, Madeline Downey, Kevin Luo, Grace Johnson, McKenna Wheeler, and coaches Amy Wu and Kelly Cyr.

The Vehicle Team from GMS earned a third place trophy for their humorous volcano skit with creative vehicles and included Kieran Wilkins, Jude Huckaby, William Stein, Campbell Fowler, Hayden Anderson, Riley Griffin, Zack Lembarra, and coach Ben Wilkins.

Two Performance GMS teams earned second place and will go to World Finals at Michigan State University, May 24-27. Sam D’Amico, Drew Baber, Emma Mullin, Noah Badeau, Nash Gagnon, Evan Verrill, coached by Misty D’Amico, created a moving set and captivated the audience with their entertaining super-hero skit.

The Classic Performance team of Erin Castonguay, Clara Shvets, Brandon Sadowski, Abigail Houp, Cassara Novak, Dylan Morrell, coached by Sara Castonguay, earned the other second place award. This team brought the audience on a time-traveling adventure to explore classical artists.

Congratulations to all Gorham teams and good luck to the two GMS teams planning to attend World Finals. To support these teams and/or make a donation, please contact Diane Knott at diane.knott@gorhamschools.org.