Senate Resolution No. 1937

BY: Senator METZGER

CONGRATULATING the Warwick Valley Middle School
Odyssey of the Mind Team upon the occasion of
winning first place in the Problem I, Division II
category at the 40th Annual Odyssey of the Mind
World Championships on May 25, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their
educational endeavors and competitions, have inspired and brought pride
to our majestic Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish
themselves through excellence in scholastic competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the Warwick Valley Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team
upon the occasion of winning first place in the Problem I, Division II
category at the 40th Annual Odyssey of the Mind World Championships on
Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Michigan State University in East Lansing,
Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program
which provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from
kindergarten through college; team members apply their creativity to
solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting
their own interpretation of literary classics; and

WHEREAS, Odyssey of the Mind teams bring their solutions to
competition on the local, state, and world level; approximately 800
teams from throughout the United States and from numerous other
countries participate in the program; and

WHEREAS, The Warwick Valley Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team
competed in the problem-solving and creativity contest against more than
60 teams from around the world, including China, Japan, Hong Kong,
Poland, Russia, India and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, The team, comprised of Naa Korkoi (Kooki) Aryeetey, Ava
Gell, Olivia Holland, Alexa Keys, Julie Woods, Jay Seward and Rachel
Powers, won by a 10-point margin and captured first place for their
Division II presentation of Problem I: "OMER to the Rescue, Again."; and

WHEREAS, In this problem, each competing team had to create an
original each-minute performance that included: OMER and his sidekick
traveling to different places; one or two suitcases that hold all the
parts of the OMER-mobile; a team-made ride-on OMER-mobile vehicle which
saves the day; three rescues with accompanied actions selected from a
list; the vehicle being assembled and disassembled between one of its
rescues; a hero's parade for the OMER-mobile; and five style elements
including two which are chosen by the team; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Rekha Woods and Donna Denny have done a superb job
in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their goals;
and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
these scholars now stand honorably, with just pride in their
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by their teachers, family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Educational competition instills the values of teamwork,
pride and accomplishment, and these outstanding students have clearly
made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of
their school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Warwick Valley Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team
upon the occasion of winning first place in the Problem I, Division II
category at the 40th Annual Odyssey of the Mind World Championships on
May 25, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members and coaches of the Warwick Valley Middle
School Odyssey of the Mind Team, and to Dr. David Leach, Superintendent,
Warwick Valley Central Schools.