Two teams of students from Zeeland Public Schools competed on an international stage in Lansing in May.
The 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals took place May 21-24 at Michigan State University. Two teams from ZPS participated in the event, one each from Quincy Elementary and Creekside Middle School.
OM is a competition that encourages students to develop and use “their natural creativity to become problem-solvers,” according to the organization’s website. The competition emphasizes the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, along with skills like teamwork, time management, public speaking and more.
Competing in the event builds relationships between teammates and students from around the world.
“OM has been an amazing experience over these last two years,” Quincy student Jovy Edwards wrote in a press release. “At first I didn’t really know anyone … but now we are like siblings. (It’s) been so fun meeting people from other countries.”
How did students from Quincy Elementary place?
The fifth graders from Quincy Elementary placed 7 of 51 teams in their division, the second year in a row the school finished in the Top 10. The team also took third place in a spontaneous challenge, which pushed teams to solve an unknown problem on the spot.
The team engineered a structure of balsa wood and glue that held 650 pounds, according to ZPS. Coaches are Adam and Kristen Farleigh.
How did students from Creekside Middle School place?
The team from Creekside Middle School also competed in the structure challenge, having “their best performance yet,” according to ZPS. The team participated in a “buddy team” program, pairing with a middle school team from Mexico.
“This was an incredible experience and we are so proud of these kids,” wrote Creekside Coach Stephanie Sherman.
Learn more at odysseyofthemind.com.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland students built a balsa wood structure that held 650 pounds. Here’s why
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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