omer’s TH world Saturdaynews | May 29 , 2010 Inspiring Graduation ceremony IN THIS ISSUE by Suban Nur Cooley Inspiring Graduation Ceremony...... 1 Awards Ceremony Ticket Info...... 1 raduations are a time Today’s Schedule...... 1 Gto celebrate the end Important Phone Numbers...... 1 of one chapter, and the Judges Say It's All beginning of another. Stu- About the Kids...... 2 dents at Odyssey from all Team Portraits...... 2 over the country are miss- After Party Details...... 2 ing this special day in their WF Awards Ceremony hometowns, displaying Online Broadcast...... 2 Dumpster Area Reminder...... 2 the dedication they have OotM Flickr Account...... 2 to their team and compet- International Festival ing at World Finals. A Must-See!...... 3 But Odyssey is a place Souvenir Sales...... 3 Local Supply Stores...... 3 where academic achieve- Airport Transportation Info...... 3 ments will not go un- Willard Wigan Exhibit...... 4 celebrated. Graduates Dr. Sam Book Signing...... 4 brought their caps and World Finals attendants missing graduations back home were given a chance to walk at the Odyssey of the Mind Graduation Ceremony held in the Jack Breslin Coaches & Officials Winners...... 4 gowns to be honored by Student Center. Weather Forcast...... 4 other OotM participants, ‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine Health Services...... 4 along with OMER and Dr. What to do on Campus...... 4 Sam himself at a special Odyssey graduation The guest speaker at WF graduation and the Saturday Shuttle Schedule...... 4 ceremony. 2010 Odyssey of the Mind Spirit Award winner, Sunday Schedule...... 4 Todd “Hoss” McNutt showed everyone why he OMER's World News Staff...... 4 This year, graduate PJ Sook from South Lake, is such an inspirational coach. He is one of the Texas, took to the podium. Sook graduates as Saturday SCHEDULE first to turn graduation into a mad scientist per- a Summa Cum Laude, being in the top five of formance with his own interpretation of turning World Finals Competition his class. His family has been part of Odyssey 8a m – 4p m lemons into lemonade – complete with smoke of the Mind for years, and he is the final Sook Creativity Festival rings! “Take your failures and learn from them,” participant after being involved in the program McNutt advised graduates. 9a m – noon since kindergarten. Part way through his speech, McNutt even NASA E-Theatre Presentations Sook inspired OotM graduates by reminding Holmes Hall took off his cap, pointed to his drooping tassel them of the valuable lessons they learn by be- 9:30a m & 11a m and said, “that was not invented by an [OotM ing involved in Odyssey of the Mind. He men- International Festival member]!” He then proceeded to fix the tassel tioned how they learn the value of diversity, International Center by securing it with black duct tape, highlighting noon – 4p m friendship, communication and perseverance. exactly why he is the Spirit Award winner this Sook ended his speech by highlighting OotM Awards Ceremony year. Jack Breslin Student Center members’ dedication and commitment. 7:30a m – 9:30p m He completed his encouraging speech by “When we say we’re going to get something Pre-Teen Party dancing with OMER on stage in celebration of done, we get ‘er done. So graduates, with Jenison Fieldhouse achieving his own dreams as well as helping 9:30a m – 12:30a m these values, we are more than prepared to generations of students achieve theirs. Teen Party be the next leaders of the world,” concluded MSU Union Sook. OotM students were excited as ever to be 9:30a m – 12:30a m celebrating their graduation at World Finals. Coaches Recovery Party “I’m just excited to begin a new chapter in my Kellogg Center 9:30a m – 12:30a m life,” says Grant Robison, a graduate from PeachTree Ridge High School in Suwanee, important phone Georgia. Robison has been participating in numbers OotM for 11 years and couldn’t think of a bet- Emergency ONLY ter place to celebrate. He plans to return as a Fire, Police, Ambulance coach or judge continuing to help future gen- 911 erations explore their creativity. Greater Lansing Visitor Center (517) 487-0077 MSU Campus Information awards Ceremony (517) 355-1855 ticket information MSU Physicians Office Olin Health Center eams, coaches, and guests staying on (517) 884-6546 Tcampus will have reserved Awards Cer- MSU Public Safety / Police emony tickets in their registration packets. All Department / Parking others can get their tickets in advance. Pick (517) 355-2221 up your reserved seating tickets at the Odys- MSU Visitor Center on Trowbridge sey of the Mind Information Booth at the In- (517) 355-9651 ternational Center on Saturday, May 29th for Props / Storage Information Saturday night’s Awards Ceremony between (517) 355-1700 8am – 5pm. All seats are reserved. Any tick- Graduate from Central University Caitlin World Finals Information Desk Henige (New Lothrope, MI), proudly holds her diploma ets still available after 6pm can be obtained at (517) 432-0798 between Omer and Dr. Sam. the Breslin Center Ticket Office. Concessions ‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine will be open during the event. Odyssey of the Mind 2010 World Finals | Michigan State University Judges Say It’s All About the Kids don't forget your by Jane DePriest team portraits! e are in it for the kids,” was the reply, Odyssey of the Mind has become a family af- “Walmost in unison, from three Odyssey fair for the Ball family. Allen has been a judge Jenison Field House of the Mind judges when asked why they keep since 1998 when he graduated from high Location of the Creativity Festival participating. “We can see what it has done for school and is an association director for Ten- Breslin Center our children. None of them have any trouble nessee. His parents, Danny and Patricia Ball, Between Gate B & the Ticket Office getting up in front of a group and making a also are judges. “I feel like Odyssey of the Saturday - 9:30am – 9:30pm presentation or working with others,” says Mind was a turning point in my life,” says Al- This is your last chance! William Everett of New York. His kids are now len Ball. “I gained a lot of confidence by par- grown, but he and his wife, Pat, continue to ticipating in Odyssey. It was my thing in high Photos by Premier Portraits. participate in OotM. school. Now I feel it is my obligation to give back to the organi- after party zation, so this ex- perience continues details for others.” The Odyssey of the Mind After Parties Wei-Xin Chen, the are an exceptional way for participants association direc- to end another fantastic year! tor for China has The pre-teen after party, hosted at the known Dr. Sam for more than 20 years Jenison Fieldhouse on MSU Campus, and was there when allows kids to enjoy carnival games, he came to China clowns for face painting, a magician, food to introduce Odys- & beverage, inflatable obstacle courses sey. Chen led the and a special appearance from MSU’s very first Chinese team own mascot Sparty! to attend Odyssey of the Mind World The teen after party, hosted at the MSU Finals in 1988. “I Union, provides an opportunity for teens From left: William Everett, Denise Schweers, and Greg Schweers all from New York believe Odyssey to enjoy dancing, food & beverage and are serving as judges this year. They first first got involved with Odyssey of the Mind with their children. is very useful for bowling & billiards and live music. young students. It The Officials after party, hosted at the Greg and Denise Schweers, also from New helps with their cultural development,” says Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, York, say that they have seen what Odyssey Chen. He is proud to introduce Zhen Chuan of the Mind has done for kids at all learning Zhu, also from China, as a judge for Prob- offers live music, hors d’ oeuvres and levels. “It’s not just gifted and talented kids lem 4 in Division 3. Zhu has been a coach desserts to their guests. that are involved with Odyssey of the Mind, for 10 years and sees solving the Odyssey Come join the festivities at The Odyssey everyone can participate and bring out their problems as not only a benefit to the kids, but of the Mind after Parties and celebrate creativity,” says Greg Schweers. to him personally. this year’s success! Jim Coates is a judge from Union, Kentucky, World Finals judges are made up from a di- who is participating in his 11th World Finals, verse group of educators, parents, alumni, dumpster area and like so many others he is a believer in the and more. They come from different cultures program. “It is work, but it’s fun and beneficial and backgrounds. However, they all have one reminder to the kids.” Coates says that he has seen thing in common ‒ they love helping creative kids overcome their shyness and children kids and seeing them achieve their goals. Creative Competitions, Inc. would like who have had no interest in science or math to remind all teams to respect MSU's go on to be successful engineers. policies regarding the dumpster areas. Please do not go near or around back World Finals Awards Ceremony to dock or dumpster areas at any time. This Broadcast Live Online helps MSU maintain its commendable "Be Spartan Green" efforts and also The 2010 World Finals Awards Ceremony will broadcast live online at: ensures everyone's safety. Even OMER 7:30pm(EST) Saturday, May 29th is staying away from dumpsters this week! The broadcast will be available during the Award Ceremony at: www.odysseyofthemind.com/wf2010 There will be designated areas marked at Look for the live broadcast link on the sidebar. each problem site for your props and other RealPlayer is required to watch the broadcast online and is downloadable from OotM website. trash items.

odyssey of the mind photos | flickr.com account

Share your photos from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2010 in East Lansing, Michigan, and they may be included in OMER's World News and other Odyssey publications. Please include the full name of any person in the photo, the date it was taken, and any other relevant details. EASY STEPS ON HOW TO POST YOUR PHOTOS

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com flickr. *NOTE: You will need to sign up for a flickr.com account in order to post your photos! 2 Saturday | May 29TH, 2010

International Festival a Must-See! by Jane DePriest o international event is complete without from Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Ntaking home souvenirs, and the Odyssey of and Russia. the Mind 2010 World Finals is no exception. On Stop by the Hong Kong booth and they will help Saturday at the International Festival, participants you learn how to say your name in Chinese. Or from at least seven countries will offer souvenirs look for red, white and blue-themed items at the indigenous to their countries for sale. U.S. booth. The countries get to keep profits from “This has become one of the most popular the sales to help with their Odyssey programs. events at World Finals,” says Sammy Micklus, Most of the items are inexpensive and even if program director for Odyssey. For the first time you don’t buy an item, it is an opportunity to meet Israel and the United States will have booths at kids from other countries. “It’s a fun, festive at- the festival. Other participants scheduled for the mosphere,” says Micklus. event include the province of British Columbia

don't forget your 2010 world finals souvenirs!

Pin Towels, a Hoodie, Hats, Pins & Slider Pins (pins in the shape of Michigan) and Long Term Problem Wristbands, plus much more! (Sales are closed at Holden Hall.) Jenison Fieldhouse (during the Creativity Festival) Saturday, May 29th 9am – noon

supply stores airport transportation

CVS/Pharmacy To Detroit Metro Airport To Lansing Airport 240 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing both terminals (517) 336-8216 Departure Times: Departure Times: FedEx Office Print & Ship Center 626 Michigan Ave., East Lansing 2am ‒ 1pm 2am ‒ 1pm (517) 332-5855 (leaving as frequently as needed, (leaving as frequently as needed, Hobby Lobby first bus departs at 2am sharp) first bus departs at 2am sharp) 2775 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing (517) 337-9253 Departure Locations: Departure Locations: Home Depot AKERS (Green) AKERS (Green) 1749 Newman Rd., Okemos (517) 381-0650 Odyssey of the Mind bus stop Odyssey of the Mind bus stop in front of the Dorm in front of the Dorm Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts 533 Mall Ct., Lansing HOLMES & MCDONEL (Green) HOLMES & MCDONEL (Green) (517) 664-1061 Parking lot in front Parking lot in front Lowe’s Home Improvement of west Holmes Hall of west Holmes Hall 6821 S. Cedar St., Lansing (517) 699-2940 WONDERS, CASE, WONDERS, CASE, Meijer Grocery Store WILSON & HOLDEN (Orange) WILSON & HOLDEN (Orange) 1350 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing Odyssey of the Mind stop in Odyssey of the Mind stop in (517) 332-2444 front of Holden Hall front of Holden Hall Michael’s Arts & Crafts 540 Frandor Ave., Lansing GILCHRIST, LANDON, GILCHRIST, LANDON, (517) 332-1778 MAYO & YAKELEY (BLUE) MAYO & YAKELEY (BLUE) Sam’s Club Odyssey of the Mind stop Odyssey of the Mind stop 2925 Towne Centre Blvd., Lansing in front of Gilchrist Hall in front of Gilchrist Hall (517) 482-9149 Staples Check in at the dorm site's departure Check in at the dorm site's departure 3003 East Michigan Ave., Lansing zone when ready to depart. zone when ready to depart. (517) 332-3632 Student Book Store It is recommended departing at least It is recommended departing at least 421 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing (517) 351-4210 3 hours before your flight time. 2 hours before your flight time. Target 4890 Marsh Rd., Okemos Please direct all questions to the Dean (517) 347-0700 Trailways staff available from 8am – 9pm Walmart Supercenter on the green bus at the shuttle hub (lot 3225 Towne Centre Blvd., Lansing (517) 487-9150 79) next to the football stadium. 3 Odyssey of the Mind 2010 World Finals | Michigan State University

Saturday Shuttle last chance ‒ willard wigan exhibit! SCHEDULE There will be five bus routes during There's still time to visit a special WF exhibit World Finals. All routes will intersect of the micro-sculptor! Willard Wigan will be at lot 79 on the south side of Spartan signing special post cards that showcase Stadium. All routes are expected to his OMER sculpture. Be sure to stop by! run every 15 – 20 minutes.

Saturday May 29th Yellow Route International Center Library Connects Kellogg Center and Next to the Souvenir Sales East Lansing Marriott to the 9am – 5pm Hub. 6a m – midnight Blue Route Connects Williams, Yakeley/ dr. sam book signing Gilchrist, Landon, Mayo, Campbell Halls and the IM Dr. Sam will be holding a book signing in Sports Circle to the Hub. conjunction with the Willard Wigan exhibit. 8a m – 8p m Saturday May 29th Orange Route International Center Library Connects Wonders, Case, Next to the Souvenir Sales Wilson and Holden Halls to the 10:30am – noon Breslin Center and the Hub. 8a m – 8p m Green Route Coaches & Officials Connects Akers, Holmes, Competition McDonel and Shaw Halls to the Hub. Winners 8a m – 8p m

First Place: Red Route St. John Neumann Connects the Parking/ Pennsylvania Commuter Lots to the Hub. 7a m – 11p m Second Place: Memorial Boulevard School Special Event Route Connecticut Connects the Party locations to all residential halls. Third Place: – runs until midnight Upper St. Clair High School Pennsylvania sunday SCHEDULE Style Award: Sanford Middle School Housing Check-Out St. John Neumann from Pennsylvania received first place in Florida 6a m – noon the Coaches & Officials Competition. ‒ photo by Carol Ann DeSimine weather forecast health services

Saturday | High of 85 E.W. Sparrow Hospital Partly Cloudy Medical care is available through the emergency department of Sparrow Hospital located at Sunday | High of 88 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Sunny Phone: (517) 364-1000 Sparrow Urgent Care Center With the temperature in the eighties for Okemos Center the weekend it is highly advised that 2248 Mt. Hope, Suite 106 (at Okemos Rd.) everyone stay hydrated with plenty of Phone: (517) 381-4001 fluids to avoid heat exhaustion. Hours: Everyday, 10am ‒ 10pm OMER's World News Staff Odyssey of the Mind Editor where to go for ideas on Jennifer Veale Assignment Editor greater lansing activities Brandie Putnam Reporters Information Booths on Campus Suban Nur Cooley Greater Lansing Convention and for Saturday, May 29th: Visitors Bureau: Jane DePriest Brendan Dwyer International Center Jennifer Miller www.lansing.org 8am – 5pm or call 1-888-2-Lansing Designer Kellogg Center Jennifer Miller 8am – 6pm Michigan Travel Information: Printing & Distribution NEWSWEB www.michigan.org Jenison Field House 9am – 1pm Innovative Media Solutions Greenville, Michigan 4