May news from NY Odyssey
Covering the 2024/25 Problem Synopses, Friend of NYSOMA and Community Star Awards, and special information about the tribute to Dr Sam at World Finals.
Synopses for 2024/25 Released!
Whilst it is only 2 weeks to the start of the World Finals in Ames, Iowa, many teams are already dreaming of next year's competition. Here, to whet your appetite, are the synopses of the long-term problems for the 2024/25 season.
Friend of NYSOMA - Graham Brewer
Graham’s involvement in Odyssey of the Mind is diverse and has spanned more than 21 years. Over the years, he has volunteered as a judge in Regions 4, 6, 7, and 21, as well as at the State Tournament. He currently is the Score Room Problem Captain in Region 4. Graham served as the NY State Webmaster from 2009 to 2021. During that time, he developed many tools to support teams, coaches, and judges. He was committed to improving the registration process and sales activities. As is often the case, Graham recruited his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Kelly to work a variety of roles at both regional and State tournaments. At State Finals you can find the two of them working at Team Registration on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and then selling Odyssey merchandise all day.
Graham first registered for the NY state tournament in 2003 and this is his 18th year. In recognition of exemplary service and enduring dedication, the NY Board extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to Graham for his many contributions that have enriched the Odyssey of the Mind experience for a generation of individuals, embodying the true spirit of the Friend of NYSOMA Award.
Community Star Award - Paulette Rudy
There are people within our Odyssey community who are passionate about the program and volunteer in many ways simply at a regional level. They are our ‘Odyssey Unsung Heroes’ who are often unrecognized.
NYSOMA has decided this year to acknowledge these individuals, nominated by you, through a Community Star Award.
Nominated by Kathy Sherlock, Regional Director for Region 5, NYSOMA is delighted for the inaugural Community Star Award to recognize Paulette Rudy from Region 5.
The following testimonial was written by a Problem 3 Div 3 team from Goshen High School.
“Miss Paulette, as she is affectionally known to many Region 5 OMers, has been involved in the program for over 25 years. Without fail we always see her running spontaneous in our regional tournament.
She also supports our Regional Director, Kathy Sherlock, from helping with scheduling and spontaneous training to being a sounding board for creative ways to make our tournament fun. Miss Paulette has given many OMers assistance in spontaneous, visiting teams and schools and running workshops. Whatever Odyssey needs in the Region, Miss Paulette is always there to lend a helping hand!”
Tribute to Dr Sam
Anyone that had the joy of meeting Dr. Sam knows he had a special place in his heart for innovation, creative problem solving, students everywhere, and telling a good story!
A tribute to Dr Sam will be held at World Finals on Thursday, May 23rd after graduation. For anyone that wants to submit a photo, video, or a memory that you have of Dr. Sam, please submit it here: https://omworldfinals.com/tribute/
Your tribute submission must be a downloadable file and be accessible via a shareable link. Please make sure anyone can access the link.
For those at home, the event will be live-streamed on the OM World Finals website.