All three Williamsport Area School District Odyssey of the Mind teams that competed in the Regional Tournament on March 4 at Pennsylvania College of Technology are headed to the State Finals — all on first-place wins.

This year’s contending teams from WASD were represented by Curtin Intermediate and Williamsport Area Middle School.

Advancing to the State Finals are:
– Curtin Intermediate: First Place, Division I, “Most Dramatic Problem Ever,” coached by Amy Harpster and Kelly Campbell. Team members: McKay Campbell, Hadley Diemer, Piper Fox, Alexander Frank, Haddie Harpster, Addyson Harrison and Charlie Vanaskie.
– Williamsport Area Middle School: First Place, Division II, “Most Dramatic Problem Ever,” coached by April Frank and Adam Harpster. Team members: Emily Frank, Cooper Gutberlet, Brayden Harpster, Gracelyn Raker, Taylor Rockey, and Alex Vail.
– Williamsport Area Middle School: First Place, Division II, “The Walls of Troy”, coached by Spring Moore and Kendra Reeder. Team Members: Lynnae Campbell, Ava Carter, Cooper Gutberlet, Asher McClelland, Mason Robinson, Daniel Turner.

“The dedication, creativity and teamwork of our kids is truly inspiring,” said Williamsport Area High School teacher Spring Moore, who serves as the district’s OM coordinator. “They are learning skills and making memories to last a lifetime.”

The state tournament is scheduled for April 1at Lock Haven University.

OM teams from WASD have been successful at the programs regional and state levels, having earned coveted spots at the World Final competitions for the last eight consecutive years. Last spring, Cochran Primary’s team placed 10th in international round.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that blends creativity, engineering and teamwork. It is 100 percent student-directed, with adult coaches acting as guides. For more information, or to review synopses of this year’s program problems, visit http://www.odysseyofthemind.org.