Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) teams showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills at the Odyssey of the Mind State Competition, held recently at San Jacinto College.

Competing against top teams from across Texas, SBISD students delivered impressive performances, earning well-deserved recognition and securing their spots at the upcoming Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, set for May 21-24 at Michigan State University.

SBISD State Competition Results

Spring Forest Middle School led the way with two teams securing top finishes:

• Problem 3 (Classics – Cooking with Books): First Place

• Problem 4 (Structure – Save Me Structure): Second Place

Ridgecrest Elementary School also delivered an outstanding performance:

• Problem 4 (Structure – Save Me Structure): First Place

These remarkable achievements mean that our students will now compete at the World Finals in May, where they will take on teams from around the globe!

Special Recognition: Omer Award Winners

At the State Competition, two SBISD teams received the prestigious Omer Award, celebrating their exceptional creativity and teamwork:

• Sherwood Elementary (Problem 3, Division 1) received a Team Omer Award.

• Joanie Ramey of Spring Forest Middle School (Problem 3, Division 2) received an Individual Omer Awardfor her outstanding contributions to her team’s success.

Recognizing Our Coaches

SBISD extends heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated coaches who guided our teams to success:

• Deanna Parr and Brock Parr – Spring Forest Middle School, Problem 3 (Division 2) – First Place

• Ronald Hanson and Courtney Salinas – Spring Forest Middle School, Problem 4 (Division 3) – Second Place

• Ryan Ferrugia, Julie Rodriguez and Paula Ostigin – Ridgecrest Elementary, Problem 4 (Division 1) – First Place

Their leadership and encouragement have been instrumental in fostering problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork among our students.

Looking Ahead: Join Odyssey of the Mind!

With another successful season behind us, SBISD is eager to welcome new participants for the upcoming school year. Families and students are invited to learn more about the program at the Introductory Meeting and Team Showcase for Odyssey of the Mind:

📅 Thursday, April 10
🕔 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
📍 Bendwood Elementary School, 12750 Kimberley

At the event, attendees will:

• Watch performances by the Sherwood Elementary team.

• Learn how students from kindergarten through 12th grade can participate.

• Discover how to form and coach a team.

• Get insights into practice schedules, costs, and competition logistics.

For more information, contact Iris Story at Omers5@aol.com.

Congratulations to all SBISD Odyssey of the Mind participants and coaches for their state-level achievements! We look forward to cheering on our students as they compete at World Finals in May!