Howard Middle School is incredibly proud of its students. Two student teams recently competed at the Odyssey of the Mind Florida State Competition, and their hard work truly showed. After months of creative problem-solving, rehearsals and steady dedication, Howard students earned top honors and represented the school and community with excellence.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program where students solve complex, open-ended problems through creativity, teamwork and innovation. Teams plan, build, write, perform and present original solutions within specific guidelines. The process takes commitment and perseverance, and this year’s teams showed both every step of the way.
Congratulations to our Problem 2 team for earning first place in the state of Florida. Their success reflects the thoughtful ideas, practice and teamwork they brought to every part of their solution to “Lost in OMERland.” Team members include Anabel Negron Duque, Phoenix Gallardo, Luke O’Rourke, Maya Partin, Wylder Rosenfarb, Emilia Sanchez and Camila Lopez-Torres. The team is coached by Olivia Staten and Lucia Sanchez.
Howard’s Problem 4 team earned second place in the state and also received the prestigious Ranatra Fusca Award for their solution to “Life’s a Ball!” This special honor recognizes creativity and risk-taking — students who push beyond the obvious and bring original ideas to life. Team members include Isla Asbell, Khalen Bhavsar, Crosby Cearly, Gabby Leviten, Julia Miller, Finlay Sikora and Reese Webster. The team is coached by Kelly Douglas and Nimesh Bhavsar.
Both teams have earned the opportunity to represent the state of Florida at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at the end of May in Iowa. This is an exciting next step and a chance for the students to share their work alongside teams from around the world.
Attending the World Finals comes with significant travel, lodging and competition expenses. The students have worked hard to earn this opportunity, and they are grateful for any support that helps make the trip possible.
Every contribution — no matter the size — helps. Please consider donating to support Howard Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind teams as they travel to World Finals. Details on how to donate or get involved will be shared through the school’s official channels. Thank you for celebrating and supporting our students.
Howard Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team 2 which took first place at State:
(L to R) Lucia Sanchez (coach), Maya Partin, Wylder Rosenfarb, Emilia Sanchez, Phoenix Gallardo, Anabel Negron Duque, Luke O’Rourke, Camilia Lopez Torres and Olivia Staten (coach). (COURTESY OF ANGELICA NEGRON)
Howard Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team 4 took second at State: (L to R) Isla Asbell, Julia Miller, Reese Webster, Khalen Bhavsar, Gabby Leviten, Kelly Douglas (coach), Nimesh Bhavsar (coach), Finlay Sikora and Crosby Cearly. (COURTESY OF CHRIS MILLER)