From one team to another

Warwick football booster club donates $1,000 for Middle School Odyssey of the Mind champs Warwick - The Warwick Valley Middle School Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team has shown extraordinary problem-solving skills in both the regional and the statewide Odyssey of the Mind competitions, placing first at both recent events. Now team members must use those skills to solve the problem of financing their trip to Ames, Iowa, in order to compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Championship in May. Thanks to the generosity of Warwick football team’s booster association, the Purple Champions Club, the Middle School team has gotten off to a $1,000 start. “We saw an opportunity to help a great group of kids who have a chance to compete in a big event at the national level,” said football coach Greg Sirico, “and we were happy to do it.” The booster club raises money throughout the year through different fundraising events. While the group supports the football program, it also lends a hand in other community activities. On March 23, Sirico and a group of representatives from the football team presented two members of the Warwick Middle School OM team with a check for $1,000 to start them on their way to Iowa and the OM World Championship. Sixth graders Ashley DiCarlantonio and James DePierro Jr. accepted the donation on behalf of their teammates - Zack Morrison, Jacob Blank, Kristina Heeren, Justin DePierro and Shanna Wood - and coaches Christy Halligan and Jocelyn Eisele. Warwick Superintendent Dr. Frank Greenhall acknowledges the significant cost involved in sending eight students and two coaches to Iowa for a couple of days. “Hopefully through fundraising we can raise a large portion of it, as is done in sports for invitationals and tournaments, where booster clubs and individual supporters help out,” Greenhall said. Asked about the trip to Iowa, Ashley DiCarlantonio said everyone on the OM team is excited. “But we know it’s going to cost a lot,” she said, “so we’re planning lots of fundraising events like bake sales and car washes.” Ashley also said she hopes that everyone who can will support them in their bid to bring Warwick a world championship - and show their true spirit of support and generosity, just like the big-hearted Purple Champions.