Students Compete in Statewide Odyssey of the Mind Competition

High school cadets from Sarasota Military Academy, a local, public charter school, recently competed in the 2019 Florida Odyssey of the Mind competition. Following a first place win at the regional level, the SMA team placed fourth out of 242 teams throughout the state.

The SMA team consisted of seniors Rosana Viera and Kamil Kusznierewicz, junior Aeryn Sachs, sophomore Emily Watrobsky and freshman Lily Dunn. Each year, the Odyssey of the Mind organization releases six problems; teams select which problem they would like to solve and they work within limitations and scoring categories. The SMA cadets chose the ‘Structure Toss’ category.

“Congratulations to the cadets who competed in the Odyssey of the Mind competition this year! Every year, our cadets become more confident and creative while making decisions and creating solutions, and this program is one of the many reasons for that improvement,” said SMA-LTC Pamela Donehew, Sarasota Military Academy Director of Literacy and the IB/PD Coordinator. “We enjoy the opportunity, as a charter school, to offer our cadets unique opportunities for growth and success throughout their academic careers.”

The Odyssey of the Mind competition aims to teach students how to have fun while using creative methods to solve problems. The SMA cadets involved this year are also enrolled in the Academy’s IB Diploma Program, and through the Odyssey of the Mind project, they continue to learn team-building skills, examine problems, identify challenges and add to their personal and professional resumes.

“We are proud of the cadets who participated this year and received such high accolades at the regional and state levels,” said SMA-COL Christina Bowman, Sarasota Military Academy Executive Director of Schools. “SMA is proud to be an Academy with teachers and staff who work hard to help our cadets look for solutions and ways to create a better world.”

About Sarasota Military Academy
Founded in 2002, Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is a public charter school, college preparatory academy and an accredited IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme (MYP) World School with two campuses located in Sarasota, Florida. Combining extraordinary academics with the highest military principles of camaraderie, focus, leadership, integrity, compassion, poise, honor and respect, SMA’s mission is to graduate young men and women who will confidently define their personal and unique goals for success in a multi-cultural and globalized world. Sarasota Military Academy High School is located at 801 N. Orange Avenue and Sarasota Military Academy Prep Middle School, is located at 3101 Bethel Lane. To learn more about SMA, visit http://www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.org/.