Two Odyssey of the Mind teams from Southeast Dubois schools recently returned from the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held May 20–24 at Michigan State University.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international STEM-based creative problem-solving competition where students develop solutions to open-ended problems in areas such as engineering, performance, and innovation. The competition emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Representing the State of Indiana in Divisions 1 and 2, the teams competed against top qualifiers from across the United States and around the world, including teams from South Korea, Poland, China, Mexico, Hong Kong, France, Germany, and India.

In addition to competing, the students enjoyed cultural exchanges and team-building activities with participants from a South Korean “Buddy Team” from Seoul.

Both teams earned their spots at the international competition after standout performances at the Indiana State Finals in Columbus. At World Finals, they delivered their innovative solutions to the 2024-25 Classics “Cooking with Books” long-term challenge and participated in spontaneous problem-solving events, demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and persistence on the global stage.

Both teams placed 24th in their divisions.

Division 1 Team:

The Division 1 team of third- and fourth-grade students from Ferdinand and Pine Ridge Elementary Schools has won the Indiana State competition for their long-term challenge three years in a row. Their imaginative approach, inspired by the novel “The Secret Garden,” featured a magical garden feast brought to life by talking plants and whimsical characters.

With clever dialogue and creative props, the team transformed a messy garden into a gourmet dinner party, complete with a vine-chef and a show-stopping carrot cake finale.

Team members include Gabbie Benton, Naomi Boeglin, Leo Schaeffer, Anna Wirthwein, Stuart Welp, Henry Weyer, and coaches Laura Mehling and Amy Weyer.

This team placed 24th.

Division 2 Team:

Competing in this global competition for the second year in a row, the team, comprised of sixth and seventh graders from Cedar Crest and Forest Park Jr. High, showcased the novel of Peter Pan and Wendy. Their dynamic performance, complete with an elaborate “flying” scene, dynamic transforming props, and a clever twist ending, helped this group earn 24th in their division. Coached by Clint Schaeffer, team members include Owen Sander, Lily Schaeffer, Landon Wirthwein, Clark Welp, and Hannah Weyer.

Coaches Clint Schaeffer, Amy Weyer, and Laura Mehling praised their teams’ commitment to innovation and teamwork throughout the OM season.

“These students pushed the boundaries of what’s possible,” said coach Amy Weyer. “It was incredible to see them represent the Southeast Dubois School Corporation and Indiana on a global platform.” 

The team’s journey to the World Finals was made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors, including Psi Iota, Ferdinand American Legion Auxiliary, Farbest Foods, Kiwanis Club of Ferdinand, Kimball International, McDonald’s Mann Enterprises, Weyer Electric, Sander Processing, Mehling Construction, Automated Routing, Schaeffer Automotive, Astro Security, and trading pins provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Their contributions helped fund travel, materials, and competition costs, ensuring these young minds could shine on a global stage. The teams are still accepting donations to help offset expenses from the trip, including transportation, lodging, and registration fees. Community members interested in contributing can contact Cedar Crest Intermediate School or Amy Weyer at amsweyer@gmail.com for more information.